Plain meaning rule
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 242 U.S. 470 - Caminetti v. United States · 1917Most cited · 5,300 citing opinions
It is elementary that the meaning of a statute must, in the first instance, be sought in the language in which the act is framed, and if that is plain, and if the law is within the constitutional authority of the lawmaking body which passed it, the sole function of the courts is to enforce it according to its terms.