Reviewed case brief
Becke v. Smith
(1836) 2 M & W 195
## Summary
- Court
- Court of Exchequer
- Year
- 1836
- Subjects
- Interpretation of Statutes
- Reviewed
- 2026-06-28
Rule established
The preamble of a statute is a key to open the mind of the Legislature and the mischiefs it intended to redress. Where the enacting words are ambiguous, the preamble may be used to ascertain the purpose and scope of the Act.
Facts
Issues
Held
Ratio decidendi
How to use it in an exam
Editorial source
(1836) 2 M & W 195
Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.