what is meant by strict construction
By Justin Quinn. Definition: Strict construction is a legal term typically applied to a form of exacting judicial interpretation. The term is sometimes misidentified as strict constructivism.. The practice of strict constructionism requires a judge to apply the text of the law in a formalist way -- only as it is written. This means a judge or panel of judges must first obtain a clear meaning of the text. Once the text of a law is interpreted clearly, there is no need to draw further inferences from statutes of the law. Strict constructionism belongs to a family of judicial interpretation theories known as originalism.. Employing strict constructionism is one way for conservative judges to practice judicial restraint.