Strict Construction Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Strict Construction.

Strict Construction (n)

To apply strict construction is to interpret a law or constitution based strictly on the literal and exact words of the text, without taking into account the assumed intentions, implications, or underlying purpose of the law makers at the time of its creation. The focus is on the plain meaning of the words themselves, rather than trying to connect them with the current social or political climate.