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 conservativism among the judiciary.
Strict sense of the term
In its strict sense, strict construction requires a judge to apply the text as it is written and no farther, if the meaning of the text is clear. That is, judges should avoid drawing from a statute or constitution.
For example, Justice Hugo Black argued that the First Amendment's that "Congress shall make no law," should be construed strictly: the term "no law," Black thought, admitted virtually no exceptions.
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