A thing that is within the letter of a statute, is not within the statute, unless it be within the intention of the law makers.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) The literal text of a statute does not control if the act in question falls outside the legislature's actual purpose — courts must look to the intent behind the law, not merely its words.

Where this applies

• A dry-cleaning shop is charged under a statute prohibiting 'chemical manufacturing' because it uses solvents, but the court holds that dry cleaning falls outside the legislature's intent even though solvents are literally chemicals.
• A home gardener is cited under a law regulating 'agricultural operations,' but the court finds the statute was aimed at commercial farming and the home garden is outside the lawmakers' purpose.
• A hobbyist drone pilot is prosecuted under an aviation statute governing 'aircraft operators,' but the court rules the law was intended for commercial and manned aviation, not recreational toy drones.