Legal Definitions - restrictive interpretation

Restrictive interpretation is the process of determining the meaning of something, especially the law or a legal document, by being bound by a principle or principles outside of the text being interpreted. This means that the interpretation is limited by certain rules or principles, and cannot be expanded beyond them.

For example, if a law states that only individuals over the age of 18 can vote, a restrictive interpretation would mean that only those who are 18 or older can vote. It cannot be expanded to include those who are younger than 18, even if they are close to turning 18 or are deemed mature enough to vote.

Another example is if a contract states that a certain payment must be made within 30 days of the delivery of goods, a restrictive interpretation would mean that the payment must be made within exactly 30 days, and not a day later.

Overall, restrictive interpretation is a way of interpreting something by being bound by certain rules or principles, and not expanding beyond them.