What is the purposive approach to statutory interpretation?

The purposive approach to statutory interpretation involves looking beyond the literal meaning of the words in a statute to understand the overall intention or purpose behind the legislation. This method acknowledges that the language of the law may not always fully encapsulate the objectives the lawmakers intended to achieve. By focusing on the purpose of the legislation, judges and legal interpreters can align their interpretations with the broader goals of the law, ensuring that the application of the statute serves justice and reflects the society's needs at the time.

In contrast, the approach relies on the principle that laws should not only be applied based on their textual meaning but should also consider the context in which they were enacted. This is particularly relevant in complex legal situations where a strict interpretation of the text could lead to unjust outcomes or fail to fulfill the legislative intent. Thus, the purposive approach promotes a more holistic understanding of legal texts.