Literal Rule

Start with the meaning

The flashcard deck Literal Rule starts with questions about what the rule is and how Parliament’s intention is discovered. Use those prompts to put an explanation into your own words. The deck also asks you to name cases that help describe the rule, so you can practice recall as well as the definition.

Next, look at the mind map Literal Rule. It describes judges giving words their natural, ordinary, dictionary meaning. It also addresses the meaning of words at the time an Act was passed. Compare the map with your flashcard answers and add any points you missed.

Explore arguments and cases

The mind map Advantages of Literal Rule lists points including certainty, predictability and respect for parliamentary sovereignty. The companion map Disadvantages of Literal Rule considers the possibility of absurd or unfair results. Read them together and practice explaining a point from each side.

For case recall, the flashcard deck The Literal Rule names Fisher v Bell and Berriman. The notes created from a mind map also name those cases. Use the cards to prompt your memory, then consult the notes and maps as you prepare an explanation.

Check your understanding

The quiz The Literal Rule asks about the first rule of statutory interpretation and the meaning given to words. Try it after studying a map. Return to the map to check points you found difficult, then use the flashcard questions for another round of recall.

This topic is one section of the Statutory Interpretation unit in Law (general and introduction). Use the resources here to prepare an explanation of the literal rule before exploring the rest of the unit. Choose a mind map and pair it with the quiz to get started.