Reviewed case brief

Attorney-General v. Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover

[1957] AC 436

[1957] AC 436 · House of Lords

long-titleinternal-aidspreambleclear-wordslegislative-intent
Court
House of Lords
Year
1957
Subjects
Interpretation of Statutes
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

The long title of an Act is part of the Act and may be used as an aid to interpretation. However, where the enacting words are clear and unambiguous, neither the long title nor the preamble can restrict or qualify them.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1957] AC 436

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.