purposive interpretation

[pərˈpoʊsɪv ɪntərprɪˈteɪʃən]
nounpl: purposive interpretations
interpretação teleológica
1. A method of statutory or legal interpretation that focuses on the purpose or intent behind a law, rather than its literal wording, to determine its meaning and application
The court adopted a purposive interpretation of the statute to ensure the legislation achieved its intended social policy goals.
O tribunal adotou uma interpretação teleológica do estatuto para garantir que a legislação alcançasse seus objetivos de política social pretendidos.
2. An approach to understanding a text, contract, or provision by examining the underlying objectives and purposes it was designed to serve
Using purposive interpretation, the judge looked beyond the letter of the law to understand what lawmakers actually intended to accomplish.
Usando interpretação teleológica, o juiz olhou além da letra da lei para entender o que os legisladores realmente pretendiam alcançar.
Purposive interpretation is a well-established doctrine in both Brazilian and Portuguese civil law traditions, where courts are encouraged to interpret legislation in light of its objectives and the social problems it aims to address. This approach contrasts with the more textualist methods sometimes preferred in common law jurisdictions and reflects the civil law emphasis on understanding the ratio legis (reason for the law). In Brazil, this method is particularly important in constitutional interpretation and in applying social legislation.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
teleological interpretationintentionalist interpretationpurposeful interpretationgoal-oriented interpretation
Antonyms / Antônimos
literal interpretationtextualist interpretationstrict interpretationgrammatical interpretation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
interpretação teleológica
Standard legal terminology used in Brazilian law schools and courts
Brazil
interpretação finalística
Alternative term emphasizing the final purpose or objective
Portugal
interpretação teleológica
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; established in Portuguese legal tradition
Portugal
interpretação conforme a finalidade
Alternative Portuguese expression meaning 'interpretation according to purpose'

Related Words

statutory interpretationlegislative intenthermeneuticslegal reasoningconstitutional interpretationcontextual interpretation

Related Idioms & Phrases

read between the lines
the spirit of the law
beyond the letter of the law
legislative intent
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