Back to Glossary

Textualism

A method of statutory and constitutional interpretation that focuses on the ordinary meaning of the legal text at the time of its enactment, as distinct from legislative intent or the purpose behind the law. Associated with Justice Antonin Scalia, textualism holds that judges should apply what the law says, not what legislators may have meant.

Learn about this term

Related Terms

Vocabulary from all courses. Terms are cross-referenced to show where each concept appears.