Strict Construction
A strict constructionist is a jurist who takes a literal interpretation of the law, i.e., the U.S. Constitution. S/he defines the terms and the language contained therein without taking into consideration shades of meanings, implied powers and instructions and changes in U.S. society over the past two centuries or the intent of the Framers beyond the language used.
This is in contrast to the broad, or liberal constructionist view which holds that the Constitution is a highly elastic document, open to a range of interpretations which can change as social and political conditions warrant. A liberal constructionist interprets Constitutional law according to what s/he believes was the intent of the language, expanding upon and interpreting such language so as to be applicable to present conditions.
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Proponents of the strict constructionist view include both liberal and conservative judges. Hugo L. Black was nominated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, serving on the Supreme Court until 1971. He is considered to have been a supporter of civil liberties, taking the position that the Bill of Rights was incorporated (imposed upon the states) by the Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection). Reagan nominee William H. Rehnquist, who served from 1986 until 2005, was a conservative who was known to support the rights of states over federal statutes. Both jurists took a strict constructionist view of Constitutional law.
Ironically, today's Supreme Court - which is heavily tilted toward conservatism - often takes a liberal constructionist view of the Constitution, particularly in the case of extraordinary powers currently claimed by the executive branch.