Law interpretation-your view?

Question

Should the law be interpreted literally or should we make anagrams and divine what they mean by way of the magic 8 ball?

Answer 1

The laws of this nation are pretty simple. Of course there are normally circumstances surrounding an individual event! When the elements of the specific crimes are committed, the law should be just and fair.

Judges and juries are depended upon to use good judgement and apply the laws to their verdicts!

The laws are flexible enough but firm in their elements so to apply the laws with the "magic 8 ball" is nothing more than abusing the system.

Answer 2

There are a number of different rules and regulations regarding the interpretation of the law, most of the more modern laws may be interpreted literally but older laws are more likely to be open to a wider interpretation because they were made with a different society in mind.
There is such a thing as precedent where legal decisions have to follow prior decisions of a court where similar legal matters are in question, the lower courts must always follow the decisions of the higher courts.
To say that the law is interpreted by means of divination with the assistance of a "magic 8 ball" shows not only a total disrespect for the legal system and the courts of justice but also a deeper sense of disillusionment with the legal process IMHO
Laws are there for a reason, to protect society and lay down recommended punishments for those found guilty of offences.
Our legal system may not be perfect, judges may make mistakes but it is the best and fairest system we can have and it is certainly better than living in a dictatorship!

Answer 3

Show me the perfectly written law and I'll show you one that should be taken literally. A lot of laws are vague, or outdated, and require interpretation. Judges throughout history have needed a little wiggle room.