Laws are to be more liberally interpreted so that their intent may be preserved.

Explanation

Where a strict reading of a law would defeat its purpose, a broader reading that preserves the legislative intent is to be preferred.

Where this applies

• A strict reading of this law would completely defeat its purpose.
• The legislature clearly intended something broader than the narrow literal text.
• The law should be interpreted more broadly to preserve what it was meant to accomplish.

See also

• 10.1.1 Liberal constructions of written instruments are to be made, on account of the simplicity of the common people, so that the thing may have effect rather than perish; and words should serve the intention, not the intention the words.
• 10.1.5 Interpretation is always to be made so that what is absurd and inconvenient may be avoided.