textualist

Definition

Relating to a philosophy of legal interpretation that prioritizes the literal, objective meaning of a written text over the perceived intent of its authors.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'textus' meaning 'woven' or 'structure,' the term emerged in the late 20th century to describe legal scholars and judges who strictly interpret the plain text of laws and constitutions.

In the news

Attorneys used the 'whole-text canon'—a principle championed by advocates of the textualist approach—to argue that the court should interpret the two sections of a ballot measure as a unified whole rather than in isolation.

Republicans make their final case for the Arizona Supreme Court to revive voucher measure

Arizona Mirror

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