Statutory Interpretation - Mischief Rule Flashcards
Where do we get the definition of the Mischief Rule?
From Heydon’s Case
What 4 points did Heydon’s Case say the courts should consider?
1) What was the Common Law before the Act?
2) What was the mischief and defect for which the Common Law did not provide
3) What was the remedy Parliament hath resolved and appointed to cure the disease of the commonwealth
4) True Reason for the remedy
What case held that the Mischief Rule can only be used when there is ambiguity in the statute?
Re Sussex Peerage
What 3 cases can be used to describe the Mischief Rule?
1) Smith V Hughes
2) Gardiner V Sevenoaks
3) RCN V DHSS
Describe Smith V Hughes
Street Offences Act made it illegal for a prostitute to solicit on the street. 6 prostitutes were in windows trying to attract customers. Prostitutes were found guilty as the Mischief was prostitutes harassing citizens on the street
Describe Gardiner V Sevenoaks
Gardiner had to comply with safety regulation is his premises, a cave. Cave was premises as the mischief was the risk of fire which existed in a cave.
Describe RCN V DHSS
Abortion Act said only doctors could carry out an abortion. Drug induced terminations were being carried out by nurses. Nurses not guilty because Mischief had been the previous law which lead to ‘‘back-street abortions’’. Nurses are considered skilled so the practice was lawful
Give 3 advantages of the Mischief Rule
1) Fairer than LR and GR
2) Allows for mistakes by Parliament
3) Quicker Law Development
Give 3 disadvantages of the Mischief Rule
1) Undermines Parliamentary Sovereignty
2) Unfair if the mischief cant be found
3) Judiciary is supposed to INTERPRET the law.