This is a Key Skills ExerciseÖ.

Statutory Interpretation

Brainstorming: At the start of the class, students will undertake a brainstorming exercise.

The class will then break into Law Firms to consider the ëprostitutes exerciseí below. Each Law Firm will be required tackle this exercise by taking a different approach to statutory interpretation (making use of case law etc):

Law Firm A ñ A literal interpretation approach.

Law Firm B ñ Applying the golden rule.

Law Firm C ñ Applying the mischief rule.

Law Firm D ñ A purposive approach.

Having researched their approach, at the next class each Law Firm will be expected to present their legal arguments in class. This will mean that students must produce overheads, and/or presentation notes, for the entire class. 

Since this is a key skills exercise ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE AN ACTIVE PART in the presentations, as they will be assessed for key skills.

Prostitutes Exercise.

A statute states ìit is an offence to loiter or solicit in a street for the purposes of prostitutionî.

Crafty Mary, a known prostitute, sits in a large bay window on the first floor of a house overlooking a busy street. She taps the window to attract the attention of men on the pavement. She invites John upstairs by beckoning and pointing to the door. He accepts her invitation.

Divine Jane, a known prostitute, who is unable to speak, stands on the street corner and waits for men in cars to stop. She is observed getting into a car and handing Hugh a card that he reads. With a smile on his face, he then drives off immediately without Jane.

Have any offences been committed?

Dr Peter Jepson.

PJ/8/2000.