A Level Law Practice Exam

Which of the following aids is particularly useful for the purposive approach to interpretation?

1. An authorised dictionary

2. The Interpretation Act 1978

3. Hansard, the official records of Parliament

4. Legal commentaries and treatises

The correct answer is: Hansard, the official records of Parliament

The correct choice is Hansard, the official records of Parliament, which plays a critical role in the purposive approach to statutory interpretation. This approach advocates for understanding legislation based on the intention of Parliament when the law was enacted. Hansard provides detailed accounts of the debates and discussions that took place in Parliament regarding specific legislation. By examining these records, interpreters can gain insights into the lawmakers' objectives, the context of the debates, and the purposes intended by those who drafted the law. This context allows judges and practitioners to interpret statutes more holistically, ensuring that the legal meaning aligns with its intended purpose rather than solely relying on the literal wording of the text. Other aids, like an authorized dictionary, the Interpretation Act 1978, and legal commentaries, while helpful in various contexts, do not provide the same level of direct insight into legislative intent. Dictionaries may clarify the meanings of words, the Interpretation Act offers general rules for interpretation, and legal commentaries may provide analysis and opinions but lack the firsthand legislative dialogue found in Hansard. Therefore, utilizing Hansard serves as a particularly potent tool in achieving a purposive interpretation of law.