Statutory Interpretation Quiz

Which rule gives the literal and grammatically correct meaning to the section of the statute, regardless of how absurd the result it?

• Literal rule

• Golden Rule

• Mischief rule

• Purposive Approach

In which case was the literal rule applied when interpreting the statute that made it a criminal offence to 'offer' flick knives for sale?

• Adler v George (1964)

• Fisher v Bell (1961)

• Whiteley v Chappell (1868)

• London & North Eastern Railway Co. v Berriman (1946)

Under the Golden Rule, what approach is taken when the words only have one clear meaning which would lead to an absurd result?

• Wide approach

• Mischief approach

• Narrow approach

• Literal approach

Which rule looks back to the gap in the previous law and interprets the Act so as to cover the gap?

• Literal rule

• Mischief rule

• Golden Rule

• Purposive Approach

What is the purpose of the Purposive Approach when interpreting the law?

• To see what Parliament meant to achieve with the new law

• To determine the precise 'mischief' the Act was remedy

• To cover the gap in the previous law

• To adhere to the ordinary sense of the words

Which intrinsic aid can be helpful for interpretation as it sets out the purpose of the Act?

• Marginal notes

• Schedules

• Preamble

• Long title

What is an example of an extrinsic aid that judges may use when trying to discover the intentions of parliament when using the purposive approach?

• Dictionaries

• Official reports

• Hansard

• Explanatory notes

What is the impact of EU law on statutory interpretation in the UK?

• The UK judges have to interpret it based on UK law only

• The UK judges have to ignore the EU law

• The UK judges are not influenced by EU law

• The UK judges have to interpret it in the light of the wording and purpose of the EU law

What does the Human Rights Act 1998 state regarding legislation?

• Legislation must be read and given effect in a way that is against human rights

• Legislation must be read and given effect in a way that is incompatible with the rights in the European Convention on Human Rights

• Legislation must be read and given effect in a way that is not related to human rights

• Legislation must be read and given effect in a way that is compatible with the rights in the European Convention on Human Rights

In which case did the court apply the purposive approach, stating 'Parliament could not have intended to promote serious crime'?

• Smith v Hughes (1960)

• Royal College of Nursing v DHSS (1981)

• R v Coleman (2013)

• R v Registrar-General ex parte Smith (1990)