Literal
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence · Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
1.
In American and English law, generally means, according to language; following expression in words. Thus a literal construction of a document is one which adheres closely to its words, without making differences for probable purpose or extrinsic circumstances; a literal performance of a condition is one which complies exactly with its terms.
2.
In the civil law, literal is used in the sense of documentary; written. A literal contract is one which has been reduced to writing. Literal evidence means documentary proof.