Purposive approach to statutory interpretation promotes legislative purpose over literal reading, enabling judges to avoid absurd outcomes. Purposive approach to statutory interpretation directs courts to construe legislation to advance its underlying legislative purpose rather than apply a strictly literal reading; it permits reading in words and employing remedial interpretive devices to avoid absurd or unjust outcomes and to effectuate what the legislature would have intended, contrasting with the traditional literal approach and legitimizing purposive constructions to promote legislative aims.