original intent

noun

1
: the actual aim or purpose especially of the framers of the U.S. Constitution
2
: a conservative theory in constitutional law: only those guarantees intended by the framers and set forth in the text of the Constitution are valid compare judicial restraint

Dictionary Entries Near original intent

Cite this Entry

“Original intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/original%20intent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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