Reviewed case brief

Duport Steels Ltd. v. Sirs

[1980] 1 WLR 142

## Summary

judicial-restraintseparation-of-powersparliamentary-sovereigntyclear-wordsrole-of-judiciary
Court
House of Lords
Year
1980
Subjects
Interpretation of Statutes
Reviewed
2026-06-28

Rule established

The role of the judiciary is to interpret and apply the law as enacted by Parliament, not to legislate. Where Parliament has spoken clearly, the court must give effect to the words used even if the result appears unjust or unwise. Judicial activism cannot substitute for Parliamentary amendment.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        [1980] 1 WLR 142

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