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Statutory Interpretation

The rules of language

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Rules of language in statutory interpretation, ejusdem generis rule and expressio unius est exclusio alterius.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

What did Inland Revenue Commissioners v Frere [1965] decide?

Numbers

What did Muir v Keay (1875) decide?

Key term

What are the rules of language in statutory interpretation?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    What are the rules of language in statutory interpretation?

    Model answer

    The rules of language are three Latin maxims judges use to read a word in the light of the words around it. The maxims are ejusdem generis, expressio unius est exclusio alterius and noscitur a sociis.

  2. 2

    Explain the ejusdem generis rule.

    Model answer

    Ejusdem generis means that general words following a list of specific words are limited to the same kind of thing. The specific words must form a recognisable class before the rule applies.

  3. 3

    What did Powell v Kempton Park Racecourse [1899] decide?

    Model answer

    Powell v Kempton Park Racecourse [1899] held that an outdoor betting ring was not a house, office, room or other place. The listed words all described indoor places, so the general words were limited to indoor places.

  4. 4

    What did Allen v Emmerson [1944] show about the limits of ejusdem generis?

    Model answer

    Allen v Emmerson [1944] held that a funfair fell within the words theatres and other places of amusement. Only one specific word had been used, so no class existed to limit the general words.

  5. 5

    Explain expressio unius est exclusio alterius.

    Model answer

    Expressio unius est exclusio alterius means that expressly mentioning one thing excludes others of the same type. The rule applies where a list stands alone with no general words after it.

  6. 6

    What did R v Inhabitants of Sedgley (1831) decide?

    Model answer

    R v Inhabitants of Sedgley (1831) held that a rate on lands, houses and coalmines did not extend to limestone mines. The express mention of coalmines excluded mines of every other kind.

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Parliamentary and European Law Making
Delegated Legislation
Statutory Interpretation
Judicial Precedent

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AAn interim injunction restrains publication before trial.
BPublication cannot be undone.
CAn injunction may be the only effective remedy.

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A Public Bill changes the general law.
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