Advantages of the Golden Rule

Question 1

What are the advantages of the golden rule?

Answer 1

• Respects the words of Parliament.
• Only used in limited situations.
• Allows the judge to choose the most sensible meaning.
• Avoids the worsts problems of the literal rule.

Question 2

How is the golden rule respecting the words of Parliament an advantage?

Answer 2

It provides an ‘escape route’.

Question 3

How is the golden rule only being used in limited situations an advantage?

Answer 3

It avoids the judges making law to any great extent.

Question 4

How is the golden rule allowing the judge to choose the most sensible meaning an advantage?

Answer 4

• Avoids absurd outcomes.
• Provides sensible decisions in cases where the literal rule would lead to a repugnant situation.