Legal Definitions - literal interpretation

Literal interpretation is a method of understanding legal texts, such as statutes, contracts, or regulations, by focusing solely on the plain, ordinary meaning of the words used. It means taking the language at face value, without considering what the author *might* have intended beyond the words themselves, or looking at broader policy goals. This approach prioritizes the exact wording over any perceived underlying purpose or spirit of the law. It is closely related to the concept of "strict construction," where legal texts are interpreted narrowly based on their precise language.

Here are some examples to illustrate literal interpretation:

• City Ordinance: Imagine a local city ordinance that states, "No person shall consume alcoholic beverages in public parks." A literal interpretation of this rule would mean that even if someone is quietly sipping a glass of wine with a picnic, they are in violation. It wouldn't matter if they argued that the *intent* of the law was to prevent rowdy behavior, not peaceful enjoyment. The plain meaning of "consume alcoholic beverages" is applied directly.

  This illustrates literal interpretation because the focus is solely on the common understanding of the words "consume alcoholic beverages," without considering any unstated intent or broader purpose behind the ordinance.

• Employment Contract: A clause in an employment contract specifies, "Employees are eligible for a bonus if they complete 12 months of continuous service." An employee works for 11 months and 29 days, then takes a one-week unpaid leave of absence before returning. A literal interpretation of "12 months of continuous service" would mean the employee has not met the exact condition, as the service was interrupted, even if only briefly. The precise wording dictates eligibility.

  Here, the interpretation hinges on the exact phrase "12 months of continuous service." A literal reading adheres strictly to the continuity requirement, rather than inferring that a short break might be permissible.

• Building Code: A building code states, "All exterior doors must be made of solid wood or steel." A builder installs a door with a hollow core that is clad in steel. A literal interpretation of "solid wood or steel" would mean the door does not comply, because while it has a steel exterior, it is not "solid steel" throughout its core. The exact material specification is strictly enforced, regardless of whether the hollow-core door might offer similar security or insulation properties.

  This example demonstrates literal interpretation by adhering strictly to the material specification "solid wood or steel." No allowance is made for functionally similar alternatives; the precise wording of the code is paramount.