(chiefly, US, law) The legal philosophy that the Constitution should be read in a broad way that adapts to the changing times.
(chiefly, US, law) The legal philosophy that the Constitution should be read in a broad way that adapts to the changing times.
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(chiefly, US, law) a broad interpretation of the Constitution, especially one strays from literal, textualist meaning and adapts to evolving circumstances.
(chiefly, US, law) the claim that the Constitution holds a dynamic meaning that evolves to new circumstances and should be understood in accordance with the needs and views of society.
(Canada, law) A doctrine of constitutional interpretation according to which the constitution must be read in a broad and progressive way so as to adapt it to the changing times.
(US, legal, intransitive) To read one's policy preferences into the Constitution, as was (allegedly) done by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1905 case Lochner v. New York.