Legal Definitions - strictissimi juris

Strictissimi juris is a Latin legal principle meaning "of the strictest right or law." It refers to the requirement that a law, contract, or legal provision must be interpreted in the narrowest, most precise, and literal way possible, without any room for broader application, implication, or expansion of its meaning.

This principle is typically applied when a law imposes penalties, restricts fundamental rights, or grants significant power. The purpose of interpreting something strictissimi juris is to ensure fairness, prevent overreach, and protect individuals from undue burdens or limitations unless the language of the law or agreement explicitly and precisely dictates otherwise.

• Example 1: Criminal Statute Interpretation

  Imagine a state law that makes it a felony to "knowingly possess an unregistered firearm *designed for military combat*." If an individual is found with a high-capacity hunting rifle that shares some features with military weapons but was not specifically designed for military combat, a court applying strictissimi juris would interpret "designed for military combat" very narrowly. They would likely require proof that the firearm's primary and intended purpose from its manufacturer was military combat, rather than a broader interpretation that might include any weapon *capable* of being used in combat or resembling military-style firearms. This strict interpretation protects the individual from a severe penalty unless their actions fall precisely within the statute's narrow wording.

• Example 2: Restriction on Fundamental Rights

  Consider a local ordinance stating that "no person shall engage in amplified speech within 100 feet of a residential dwelling between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM." If a group is holding a peaceful, unamplified candlelight vigil 90 feet from a residential dwelling at 11 PM, a court applying strictissimi juris would interpret "amplified speech" literally. They would not extend the restriction to include unamplified speech, even if it might still cause some disturbance. Because the ordinance restricts the fundamental right to free speech, it must be interpreted as narrowly as possible to minimize its impact on that liberty, meaning only speech that is *amplified* is prohibited under this specific clause.

• Example 3: Contractual Penalty Clause

  Suppose a commercial lease agreement contains a clause stating, "The tenant shall incur a penalty of $500 if they fail to provide written notice of their intent to renew the lease *at least 90 days prior to the lease expiration date*." If a tenant provides written notice exactly 89 days before the expiration, a landlord might try to impose the penalty. However, a court applying strictissimi juris would interpret "at least 90 days prior" with extreme precision. Since 89 days is not "at least 90 days," the condition for the penalty has not been met exactly as written. The court would likely rule against the penalty, as clauses imposing financial penalties are often interpreted very strictly against the party seeking to enforce them.