broad construction

Cultural  

1. A theory of interpretation of the Constitution that holds that the spirit of the times, the values of the justices, and the needs of the nation may legitimately influence the decisions of a court, particularly the Supreme Court. Sometimes called judicial activism. (See Earl Warren.)

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Example Sentences

In effect, Adams asked Congress to embrace broad construction of the Constitution and use its own wisdom to uplift a misguided populace.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Led by Chief Justice Marshall, the Supreme Court endorsed Hamilton’s broad construction of the Constitution and affirmed the economic powers of the federal government.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

Hamilton also argued for broad construction of the Constitution rather than strict adherence to its limited instructions.

From Time Magazine Archive

Madison, whose objection led to the insertion of the more definite phrase high crimes and misdemeanors, was the strongest advocate of a broad construction of the impeachment power.

From The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952 by Corwin, Edward Samuel

I confess, then, I think it important, in the present case, to set an example against broad construction, by appealing for new power to the people.

From Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 4 by Randolph, Thomas Jefferson