A Level Law Practice Exam

What is a key disadvantage of the golden rule?

1. Leads to overreliance on legislative text

2. Creates reliance on judicial interpretation

3. Fluid interpretations can cause uncertainty

4. Promotes strict adherence to cases

The correct answer is: Fluid interpretations can cause uncertainty

The key disadvantage of the golden rule lies in the fluid interpretations that can lead to uncertainty. The golden rule serves as a method of statutory interpretation that allows judges to depart from the literal meaning of a statute to avoid an outcome that would be considered absurd or unjust. However, this flexibility can result in varying interpretations of the law, as different judges may reach different conclusions about what constitutes an absurdity or what the intended meaning of the text is. This variability can create a lack of predictability in legal outcomes, as individuals and legal practitioners may find it difficult to anticipate how a court might apply this rule in particular cases. The other options, while they address important aspects of legal interpretation, do not capture the essence of this specific disadvantage as well as the notion of uncertainty created by fluid interpretations. Reliance on legislative text is generally not seen as a key disadvantage of the golden rule, as this rule is inherently about moving away from such reliance. Similarly, while judicial interpretation is a crucial aspect of law, it is not in itself a disadvantage specific to the golden rule. Lastly, strict adherence to cases does not align with the purpose of the golden rule, which is more focused on flexibility rather than rigidity.