lesson 10

Question 1

why do acts need to be interpreted

Answer 1

Why Do Acts Need to Be Interpreted?
Key Reasons:

Unclear wording
Changing Nature of Words
To Clarify words

Question 2

Unclear wording

Answer 2

Legislation is broad to cover many situations.
Sometimes, the wording can be too vague, causing confusion.
Example: What exactly qualifies as a ‘public space’?

Question 3

changing nature of words

Answer 3

Changing Nature of Words
Words can evolve over time as society, technology, and culture change.
Example: Terms like ‘bullying’ or ‘consent’ may have different meanings now compared to when the law was written.

Question 4

to clarify words

Answer 4

Some laws may have been written for emergency situations, leading to possible wording errors.
Interpretation is needed to clarify and fix these mistakes.

Question 5

source of law - statue law

Answer 5

The origin where a law is made.
Statute Law: Laws made by Parliament, also called legislation or Acts.

Question 6

common law

Answer 6

Common Law: The body of law based on judicial reasoning and decisions from past cases.
Created in 2 Ways:
Statutory Interpretation
Precedent

Question 7

Statutory interpretation

Answer 7

Definition: Judges interpret the meaning of words in a statute when applying it to a case.
Purpose: To clarify and apply laws made by Parliament to specific cases.

Question 8

Precedent

Answer 8

Definition: Judges decide on new issues when there is no existing law or when an old principle needs expanding.
Purpose: Ensures consistency by following past decisions when applicable.

Question 9

What is Statutory Interpretation?

Answer 9

Explanation: When judges apply meaning to words in Acts (laws) made by Parliament to resolve a dispute.