Under the literal rule of statutory interpretation, how does a court read words in a statute?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. By giving them their plain, ordinary and natural meaning, even if the result seems harsh
- Step 1: The literal rule looks only at the words.
- Step 2: In Whiteley v Chappell the court applied the literal rule to a wording leading to an unattractive outcome.
Answer
By giving them their plain, ordinary and natural meaning, even if the result seems harsh.
Why not the others: That is the mischief rule; no rule favours the defendant in all cases; speeches are used only under Pepper v Hart in limited cases.
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