GR Pros and Cons

• Advantages :

  1. Avoids absurdity
  2. Practices parliament's intentions
  3. Applies to homonyms
  4. Allows for judicial creativity
  5. Saves parliament time
• Disadvantages :

  1. Creates uncertainty
  2. Disrespects Parliamentary Supremacy
  3. Narrow approach is inflexible
  4. Disrespects Separation of Powers
• ADVANTAGE

  P: avoids absurdity

  E: purpose of the rule

  E: R v Allen, impossible crime

  L: ensures justice
• ADVANTAGE

  P: puts Parliament’s intention into practice

  E: alter meanings

  E: Re Sigsworth, ignored clear words

  L: law working how it was intended
• ADVANTAGE

  P: Applies to homonyms

  E: narrow approach

  E: R v Allen, marry

  L: opposite of literal rule
• ADVANTAGE

  P: allows for judicial creativity

  E: broad approach

  E: Re Sigsworth, issue

  L: saves parliament time
• DISADVANTAGE

  P: creates uncertainty

  E: manifest absurdity undefined

  E: Re Sigsworth

  L: inconsistent outcomes
• DISADVANTAGE

  P: Against Parliamentary Supremacy

  E: broad approach

  E: Re Sigsworth

  L: Judges aren’t elected
• DISADVANTAGE

  P: Narrow approach is rigid

  E: law doesn’t change

  E: Re Sigsworth, AEA 1925

  L: unavoidable absurdity
• DISADVANTAGE

  P: Disrespects Separation of Powers

  E: broad approach

  E: Re Sigsworth, ignored clear words

  L: Judges acting unconstitutionally