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 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share