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When judges interpret laws, their job isn't just to read what's written — it's to make sure justice is done. Over the years, courts have developed certain rules to interpret statutory laws. Two of the most fundamental are the Literal Rule and the Golden Rule . Let’s break down what these rules mean, why they matter, and how they’ve shaped real-life court decisions. 📘 1. Literal Rule: Law Means What It Says Definition: Under the Literal Rule , judges interpret the words of a statute in their plain, ordinary, and grammatical meaning — even if the outcome seems unjust or absurd. Why It’s Used: This rule respects the supremacy of Parliament. Judges aren’t supposed to change laws; they’re just supposed to apply them. Example Case: R v Judge of the City of London Court (1892) "If the words of an Act are clear, you must follow them, even though they lead to a manifest absurdity." – Lord Esher In this case, the court emphasized that judges must ...