Statutory interpretation refers to the process of interpreting and understanding the meaning of laws passed by parliament. Here are some of the most commonly used rules of statutory interpretation:
Literal rule: The literal rule involves interpreting the words of a statute according to their plain, ordinary, and natural meaning. This approach assumes that the legislature intended the words of the statute to be taken at face value, without any further interpretation.
Golden rule: The golden rule involves interpreting the words of a statute in a way that avoids any absurd or unreasonable results. This approach allows for some flexibility in the interpretation of the words, while still adhering to the intention of the legislature.
Mischief rule: The mischief rule involves interpreting the words of a statute in a way that addresses the "mischief" that the statute was intended to remedy. This approach looks at the problem or issue that the legislature was trying to address when it passed the law, and interprets the words of the statute accordingly.
Purposive approach: The purposive approach involves interpreting the words of a statute in a way that best achieves the overall purpose or intention of the law. This approach looks at the broader context and purpose of the law, including its historical, social, and political context, to determine the meaning of the words.
Each of these rules of statutory interpretation can be applied in different situations, depending on the specific wording and context of the law in question. In practice, judges and legal professionals may use a combination of these rules, as well as other methods of interpretation, to arrive at the most appropriate and accurate interpretation of the law.
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