A Level Law Practice Exam

What does the wider version of the golden rule allow a court to do?

1. Strictly interpret the words of the statute

2. Modify wording to avoid absurd results and ensure justice

3. Follow the exact intention of Parliament

4. Dismiss cases without statutory backing

The correct answer is: Modify wording to avoid absurd results and ensure justice

The wider version of the golden rule provides courts with the flexibility to modify the wording of a statute to avoid absurd results or injustices that may arise from a strict interpretation. This approach allows judges to make necessary adjustments within the statute's framework to ensure that the application of the law upholds fairness and achieves a just outcome. This principle is particularly important in instances where the literal meaning of a statute could lead to an outcome that is unreasonable or contrary to the intentions of the legislature. By employing the wider golden rule, courts can navigate the limitations of literal interpretation, thus promoting a more equitable application of the law. The other choices do not align with the purpose of the wider version of the golden rule. Strict interpretation does not allow for flexibility, while following the exact intention of Parliament does not take into account the need to adapt language to avoid absurdity. Lastly, dismissing cases without statutory backing contradicts the role of courts in interpreting and applying the law, rather than solely relying on the text as written.