Warning

Info

Warning

Info

Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

literal canon

Read a random definition: binder

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

Warning

Info

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
JumpySubsequentDolphin
23:30
@babycat: a straight man just told me he’s obsessed w clairo and beabadoobee’s music. curious to hear your thoughts
babycat
23:31
i would not let that slide. too many men out here want to be soft boys
babycat
23:31
good times create weak men, weak men create hard times, and so on
JumpySubsequentDolphin
23:32
i feel like I’ve never been more certain that a man’s a whore in my life
JumpySubsequentDolphin
23:33
what do you MEAN you’re obsessed with clairo and beabadoobee. who are you trying to impress
babycat
23:37
men will say ugh i wish i had a girl to go to the clairo concert with me. whole time they’re just whores
23:38
my buddy went to under grad with her
ok what's wrong with liking beabadoobee though 😭
23:39
^
23:57
straight man who likes beabadoobee has a 60% chance of being full of red flags and that percentage is too high to risk it
23:57
i unfortunately have the falling for straight man by accident because i thought he was bi because he likes clairo and beabadoobee disorder
JumpySubsequentDolphin
23:58
Eggan thank you for understanding. ily.
@Eggan: oh goodness
ExplodingEffoc
0:04
Glue song Clairo and Beabadoobee best song ever
I think a night to remember is better but yea they're both very good
Dkk
0:08
I would call Arendt nuts but correct sometimes.
Dkk
0:09
No idea who these artists are
Dkk
0:30
Hmmm idk if that story helped
0:43
Beabadoobee is such a stupid artist name
0:43
Yeah bro I listen to poo poo pee pee
lavendergiraffe
0:48
who up refreshing they status ;)
Dkk
0:51
I'm watching space ghost coast to coast
how the homies hangin
Dkk
1:44
Hangin well!
Dkk
1:44
On the nightshift
2:37
this chat is hilarious
Dkk
2:37
@idkdude: Thanks. We take pride in that.
5:39
Working grinding , feeling racist today
5:39
Get after it
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.