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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

literal canon

Read a random definition: common order

A quick definition of literal canon:

Literal Canon: This means that when judges interpret a document or law, they should only look at the exact words written and not try to guess what the writer meant. This is also called strict constructionism or textualism. It is especially important when dealing with laws that have punishments. A strict constructionist judge will only follow the literal words of the law, without considering other sources to understand its meaning.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Literal canon is a legal term that refers to the strict constructionism doctrine. This doctrine holds that judges should interpret a document or statute, especially one involving penal sanctions, according to its literal terms without looking to other sources to ascertain the meaning.

Examples: For instance, if a statute says that a person who steals a car will be imprisoned for "not less than three years," a strict constructionist judge would interpret this to mean that the minimum sentence is three years, and not a day less. Another example is if a contract states that a party must pay a certain amount of money "on or before the 15th day of the month," a strict constructionist judge would interpret this to mean that the payment must be made on or before the 15th day of the month, and not a day later.

Explanation: These examples illustrate the literal canon doctrine because the judges are interpreting the document or statute according to its literal terms without looking to other sources to ascertain the meaning. They are not considering the intent of the lawmakers or the context in which the document or statute was written. Instead, they are strictly adhering to the words used in the document or statute.

literal | literal construction

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19:43
@Dkk: yeah register 1 website and every swinging tom dick and harry calls/emails/texts to 'help with seo'. like bruh, if YOU found it, what i am doing is working
Dkk
19:43
Indeed!
19:48
wasp, i think people are hopeful for a gov who at least attempts to care about the common man
MIAMI A
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:55
How does one know if they are UR1 or UR2?
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:56
CONGRATS MACAQUE!
TY
got a random stanford email and almost had a heart attack
ALSO CONGRATS!
Congrats1!
21:15
Miami A, yall I'm so excited I could cry.
21:15
Feel like I can finally stop holding my breath!! Whew!!!
[] baddestbunny
22:16
every time I get accosted by a strange man who follows me around because my male coworkers were too busy talking to walk me back to my car I get closer to saying we need to bring back traditional gender roles
Dkk
22:32
Nice! @Macaque
Dkk
22:32
@Aromatic, Have to guess.
Dkk
22:33
That sucks @Bunny do you have to go to the hospital?
[] baddestbunny
22:40
I said accosted not assaulted
23:35
guys. my notre dame address just went long is this good or bad
1a2b3c4d26z
23:37
Oooooo me too
23:37
omg is this good or bad
Dkk
23:47
Idk if gender roles are gunna fix that then.
23:49
it looks like most people who applied in october last cycle didn't get a decision until january... does it even mean anything that our addresses went long??
hows ED 2 compared to ED 1?
Dkk
0:10
No idea
windyMagician
0:34
reporting live to say my ndls address also went long
does it mean anything ^
Dkk
2:21
NDLS and Fordham took a very long time last year. It's good info for people to know.
[] baddestbunny
4:29
let’s get after it boys and girls
Dkk
5:21
I gtg to bed soon.
Dkk
5:22
Big day today. Gunna be a crazy one. I will sleep through the first half.
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