Legal Definitions - broad interpretation

Definition: Broad interpretation refers to a way of interpreting a law or document that is flexible and takes into account the overall purpose and intention of the law or document. It is the opposite of strict interpretation, which only considers the literal words of the law or document.

For example, if a law is written vaguely, a judge may use broad interpretation to determine its meaning. This means that the judge will consider the overall purpose of the law and interpret it in a way that achieves that purpose. This can be helpful when a law is outdated or unclear.

Another example of broad interpretation is when a judge chooses to interpret a law in a way that expands its meaning to include cases that are within the spirit of the law, even if they are not explicitly mentioned. This can help ensure that the law is applied fairly and justly.