What does construed mean in law?
Andrew Henderson
Updated on March 07, 2026
What does construed mean in law?
To construe means to determine the meaning of the text of a written document (a statute, regulation, court decision, etc.) based on the rules of legal interpretation.
What does it mean to be narrowly construed?
With close adherence to the literal meaning of a text; as, to interpret narrowly; to construe narrowly; to read narrowly; — used especially of laws and contracts. Etymology: [AS. nearulice.]
What does liberally construed mean?
Liberal construction means a legal concept instructing parties interpreting a statute to give an expansive meaning to terms and provisions within the statute. The goal of liberal construction is to give full effect in implementing a statute’s requirements. See RCW 90.58. 900. Sample 1.
What is equitable construction?
A liberal or equitable construction permits a term to be reasonably and fairly evaluated so as to implement the object and purpose for which the document is designed. This does not mean that the words will be strained beyond their natural or customary meanings.
What is the synonym of construed?
verb. 1’his actions could be construed as an admission of guilt’ interpret, understand, read, see, take, take to mean, parse, render, analyse, explain, elucidate, gloss, decode. urger.
Could be construed as meaning?
construe \kun-STROO\ verb. 1 : to analyze the arrangement and connection of words in (a sentence or sentence part) 2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of usually in a particular way or with respect to a given set of circumstances.
Can a person be scintillating?
If you say someone is scintillating, then they are clever — people want to listen to them. This is a word often used sarcastically. If someone is boring, you might say “Well, that was scintillating,” while rolling your eyes.
Why must criminal laws be construed liberally in favor of the accused and strictly against the state?
“It is a well-entrenched rule that penal laws are to be construed strictly against the State and liberally in favor of the accused. Hence, in the interpretation of a penal statute, the tendency is to subject it to careful scrutiny and to construe it with such strictness as to safeguard the rights of the accused.
Who are liberal constructionists?
The Liberal Constructionists were led by Alexander Hamilton and argued from a Federalists point of view. The Liberals were for a broad construction of the powers given to congress. The Strict Constructionists believed that States should hold as much power as they can and were for small government.
What is bonam Partem?
Hence the term Bonam Partem is known to mean the interpretation of words in their least aggravated sense. In actions of slander, it was formerly the rule that, if the words alleged would admit of two constructions, then they must be taken in the less injurious and defamatory sense.
What is the difference between interpretation and construction?
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION. Interpretation means the art of finding out the true sense of an enactment by giving the words their natural and ordinary meaning whereas Construction means drawing conclusions in the basis of the true spirit of the enactment.
What is the opposite of construed?
The opposite of construe is misconstrue, which means to falsely or wrongly interpret.
What does strstrictly construed mean in law dictionary?
STRICTLY CONSTRUED meaning in Law Dictionary. This means a court must decide on the basis of the language used in composing a statute and must make no explanation of a law.
What does strict construction mean in criminal law?
In Criminal Law, strict construction must be applied to criminal statutes. This means that a criminal statute may not be enlarged by implication or intent beyond the fair meaning of the language used or the meaning that is reasonably justified by its terms.
What does construction mean in law?
A close or narrow reading and interpretation of a statute or written document. Judges are often called upon to make a construction, or interpretation, of an unclear term in cases that involve a dispute over the term’s legal significance.