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construction definition - legal

n

The process of interpreting, or the interpretation of, a constitution, statute, or instrument. See also legislative history and intent.
canon of construction
Any of the general principles that courts apply to construe a statute or instrument whose meaning is in dispute.
liberal construction
The interpretation of a constitutional or statutory provision that applies the original intent, purpose, and spirit of the writing to circumstances that are not specifically addressed by the constitution or statute. Also called broad interpretation.
strict construction
The interpretation of a constitutional or statutory provision that applies only the literal words of the writing to circumstances that are not specifically addressed by the constitution or statute. Also call narrow construction.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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