It is a venomous exposition which gnaws at the vitals of the text.

Explanation

The worst form of bad interpretation is that which hollows out the substance while leaving the surface intact — it poisons from within.

Where this applies

• The court is hollowing out the law from within while leaving the surface intact.
• They're interpreting the statute in a way that guts its substance but pretends to follow it.
• The interpretation poisons the text from the inside — the words remain but the meaning is destroyed.

See also

• 10.1.12 It is guessing, not interpretation, that altogether departs from the letter.
• 10.1.14 It is a bad exposition which corrupts the text.