Things favorably considered in law are the treasury, dower, life, and liberty.

Explanation

When a statute or instrument is ambiguous, courts construe it in favor of life, liberty, a widow's dower, and the public fisc — these four interests receive the most favorable presumption at common law.

Where this applies

• A statute could be read to either allow or prohibit a widow's claim to her deceased husband's homestead, and the court adopts the reading that protects the widow's dower interest.
• An ambiguous sentencing provision is construed in favor of the defendant's liberty, giving the shorter rather than the longer prison term.
• A tax statute is unclear about whether a deduction applies to certain government revenue, and the court construes it in favor of the public treasury because the law favors the fisc.