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literal method A method for the construction of a statute by the courts. Its basis is: that words are to be taken prima facie in their ordinary, literal or grammatical meaning; that they are to be taken to be used in the same sense they had when the statute was passed; that the same words carry the same meaning. But the literal meaning of the words is never allowed to prevail where it would produce manifest absurdity or consequences which can never have been intended by the legislature : |