Some states statutorily reject the strict-construction rule for penal statutes

Evidence

Not all courts are such sticklers, and some state laws tell them explicitly not to be. For example, section 4 of the California penal code states baldly that California does not follow the common-​law rule requiring penal statutes to be “strictly construed.” All criminal laws are rather to be interpreted “according to the fair import of their terms, with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice.” — Lawrence M. Friedman and Grant M. Hayden, American Law, 501

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Courts follow canons of construction as guidelines, not binding rules — Lawrence M. Friedman and Grant M. Hayden, American Law: An Introduction, 498; Penal statutes are strictly construed in favor of the accused — Henry M. Hart, Jr. and Albert M. Sacks, The Legal Process: Basic Problems in…, 1055; Absurd consequences outweigh the doctrine of strict construction of penal statutes. — Henry M. Hart, Jr. and Albert M. Sacks, The Legal Process: Basic Problems in…, 1211 (+1 more)