exam style questions statutory interpretation

• What is statutory interpretation?

  The process by which courts interpret and apply legislation.
• What is the Literal Rule in statutory interpretation?

  It requires judges to interpret words in their plain, ordinary meaning, even if the result is absurd.
• How does the Golden Rule modify the Literal Rule?

  It allows judges to avoid absurd results by choosing an alternative meaning.
• What is the purpose of the Mischief Rule?

  Judges interpret statutes to suppress the mischief the law intended to remedy, focusing on Parliament’s intention.
• What does the Purposive Approach consider in statutory interpretation?

  Judges consider the broader purpose of the statute, looking beyond the literal meaning to achieve Parliament’s intent.
• Which case is most associated with the Literal Rule?

  Fisher v Bell (1961).
• How did the case R v Allen (1872) demonstrate the Golden Rule?


  The court interpreted “marry” to avoid the absurd result of bigamy being impossible to commit.
• Which case illustrates the Mischief Rule?

  Heydon’s Case (1584).
• What case is linked to the Purposive Approach?

  Pepper v Hart (1993).
• What is the ejusdem generis rule in statutory interpretation?


  Where general words follow specific words, the general words are interpreted to include only items of the same kind.
• Give an example of the ejusdem generis rule.


  In Powell v Kempton Park Racecourse (1899), the phrase “house, office, room or other place” was interpreted to apply only to indoor places.
• What does the expressio unius est exclusio alterius rule state?


  The mention of one thing excludes others; if something is expressly included in a statute, others are implicitly excluded.
• What is the noscitur a sociis rule?


  A word takes meaning from the surrounding words, meaning context is key in interpretation.
• What is the significance of R v Judge of the City of London Court (1892)?


  It established that the Literal Rule must be applied even if the outcome is absurd.
• How does the Human Rights Act 1998 affect statutory interpretation?

  Courts must interpret statutes, as far as possible, in a way that is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
• What role does Hansard play in statutory interpretation?

  Hansard may be consulted to understand Parliamentary debates and clarify the intent behind legislation.
• What is the Interpretation Act 1978?

  It provides general rules for interpreting UK legislation, including definitions for common terms like “he” including “she.”
• What is a presumption against retrospective legislation?

  Courts assume statutes do not apply to actions that occurred before the law was enacted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• What is the principle of legality in statutory interpretation?

  Courts presume Parliament does not intend to limit fundamental rights unless clear words are used.
• What is a key critique of the Literal Rule?

  It can lead to unjust or absurd outcomes when words are interpreted strictly without regard to the broader context.