Reviewed case brief

Sussex Peerage Case

(1844) 11 Cl & Fin 85; 8 ER 1034

(1844) 11 Cl & Fin 85 · House of Lords

literal-ruleplain-meaningroyal-marriages-actclear-words
Court
House of Lords
Year
1844
Subjects
Interpretation of Statutes
Reviewed
2026-08-02

Rule established

Literal Rule: clear and unambiguous words must be given their plain grammatical meaning regardless of consequences.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        (1844) 11 Cl & Fin 85; 8 ER 1034

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