Strict construction

Strict construction means a restriction of judicial interpretation. In the United States, the phrase is also commonly used more loosely as a term for conservatism in the judiciary.

 Strict sense of the term 
In its strict sense, strict construction requires a judge to apply the words as they are written and no farther, if the meaning of the text is clear. That is, judges should avoid drawing inference (interpreting) from a statute or constitution.The Judiciary: The Power of the Federal Judiciary, The Social Studies Help Center 

For example, Justice Hugo Black argued that the First Amendment's injunction that "Congress shall make no law," should be construed strictly: the term "no law," Black thought, admitted virtually no exceptions.

References

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