Meaning & use
textualist
Last updated
A person, especially a judge, who interprets a text such as a law or constitution based strictly on its literal wording rather than its presumed intent.
See it in a sentence
As a textualist, the judge based her ruling on the plain meaning of the statute's words.
The debate between textualists and those who favor a more flexible interpretation shaped the entire hearing.
A note on using this word
Most often used in legal and constitutional discussions, frequently contrasted with 'originalism' or 'purposivism,' which weigh intent or context more heavily.
Words with a similar meaning
literalist
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