Reviewed case brief
DPP v. Ottewell
[1970] AC 642
[1970] AC 642 · House of Lords
- Court
- House of Lords
- Year
- 1970
- Subjects
- Interpretation of Statutes
- Reviewed
- 2026-08-02
Rule established
Penal statutes must be construed strictly in favour of the accused. Where the words of a penal provision are ambiguous, the construction less burdensome to the accused must be preferred. The court cannot extend penal liability by strained interpretation.
Facts
Issues
Held
Ratio decidendi
How to use it in an exam
Editorial source
[1970] AC 642
Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.