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What is the impact of using the golden rule in statutory interpretation?
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Similar systems are used on other countries as well.. . Where there a multiple possible interpretations, the court should choose the one that makes sense given other laws. This could be to avoid absurdity, or to avoid conflict with other higher laws.
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I like this explanation:. . This rule may be used in two ways. It is applied most frequently in a narrow sense where there is some ambiguity or absurdity in the words themselves. For example, imagine you see a sign saying "Do not use lifts in case of fire." If you interpret this sign literally, you will never use the lifts just in case there is a fire.. . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_rule_(law)
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