What principle allows courts to consider the intent of the legislature in interpreting a statute?

The principle that allows courts to consider the intent of the legislature in interpreting a statute is known as the purposive approach. This approach goes beyond the plain meaning of the words used in the statute and seeks to understand the purpose and intent behind the legislation. It recognizes that lawmakers often have specific objectives and goals when enacting laws, and interpreting statutes in a manner that aligns with these intentions can aid in more accurately applying the law to various situations.

By adopting this approach, courts can ensure that the application of the law remains relevant and effective, even as societal norms and circumstances change. This method of interpretation is particularly important in situations where a literal interpretation may lead to outcomes that contradict the legislative intent or produce unjust results.

In contrast, the literal rule focuses strictly on the ordinary meaning of the language within the statute without considering the underlying purpose. The golden rule allows for modifications to the literal meaning of the words in order to avoid absurd results while still adhering broadly to legislative intent. The term "literal interpretation" generally refers to the same principle as the literal rule but emphasizes the reading of the text as it stands.

The purposive approach stands out because it explicitly seeks to uncover and apply the objectives that lawmakers intended to achieve, making it a vital tool in legal