The golden rule

• The golden rule 

  • Judge looks at literal meaning but can avoid an interpretation if it would lead to an absurd result 
• Narrow view – the court can choose between the possible meanings (Allen, Adler)
• Broad approach – where the interpretation would lead to an absurd result, the judge can modify the words of the statute (Sigsworth)
• The golden rule advantages:

  +   Respects the majority of parliamentary words 

  +   The broad approach can provide a more sensible decision compared to the literal rule
• The golden rule disadvantages:

  -       Can only be used in certain situations 

  -       Not possible to predict whether the courts will use it or the literal rule