Literal Rule

• What is the Literal Rule in statutory interpretation?

  Follow clear words regardless of absurdity
• How do judges apply the Literal Rule?

  By using plain dictionary definitions of words
• What was the outcome of Whiteley v Chappell?


  Not guilty as dead cannot vote
• What was the ruling in Cheeseman v DPP?


  Not guilty as police were not passengers
• What was the reason for the outcome in LNER v Berriman?


  Oiling tracks did not constitute fixing
• What was the decision in Fisher v Bell?


  Not guilty as he was inviting to buy
• What was the outcome of R v Harris?


  Not guilty as biting did not count as wounding, cutting or stabbing