PHL271H1 Chapter Notes -Statutory Interpretation, Testator
Document Summary
The case is about an heir"s right to inherit from the grandfather he murdered (140) It questions the relation between moral principles and statutory interpretation (140) The resolution was that the distribution of estates should not benefit an heir who killed the testator to prevent the revocation of the will (141) The defendant had lived with his grandfather and when he learned that his grandfather was going to change his will to leave his considerable estate to his new wife, he willfully murdered him to prevent this (141) One statute says that if there are any absurd consequences that arise from the literal interpretation of a statute that would likely contravene the legislative intention, an exception can be made (142) There are also universal maxims that apply in all civilized societies that individuals should not be permitted to profit from their own misdeeds (142)