textuals

Textualists are proponents of textualism, a theory of interpretation chiefly applied to statutes and constitutional texts. They contend that the meaning of a law is found primarily in the ordinary and public meaning of the text at the time it was enacted, rather than in the legislators' intentions or in external sources such as legislative history, policy goals, or the context of later events.

Textualists emphasize the text itself, including its grammar, punctuation, defined terms, and structure, and they consider surrounding text such as headings or lists to determine meaning. They usually treat interpretation as a search for the text's plain language, and they may apply canons of construction selectively to resolve ambiguities, but they resist interpreting the text to achieve outcomes beyond its stated terms.

In practice, textualism is often associated with originalism in constitutional interpretation, the view that constitutional meaning is anchored in the original public understanding. It became influential in United States jurisprudence in the late 20th century, popularized by judges and scholars who argue that courts should give effect to the text rather than judges' goals.

Critics dispute that textualism overemphasizes linguistic form and can fail to account for gaps or ambiguities in law, the evolution of language, or social changes. They contend that considering legislative history or purposes is sometimes necessary to apply law fairly. Other debates concern the feasibility of determining original public meaning and the appropriate balance between text and context in interpretation.