MLchartDataset catalogue

Purposivism

Term · Law · MLC-T-LAW-004047

A theory of statutory interpretation that holds that courts should interpret a statute in light of its underlying purpose or the legislative intent behind its enactment. This approach contrasts with textualism, which focuses primarily on the plain meaning of the statutory language. Judges employing purposivism may examine legislative history and policy goals to discern intent.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-LAW-004047
FieldLaw
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-004047",
  "term": "Purposivism",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A theory of statutory interpretation that holds that courts should interpret a statute in light of its underlying purpose or the legislative intent behind its enactment. This approach contrasts with textualism, which focuses primarily on the plain meaning of the statutory language. Judges employing purposivism may examine legislative history and policy goals to discern intent.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/purposivism/"
}

Record 4,095 of 5,439 in Law terminology (MLC-0107). Request the full dataset.