The construction of law obtains the force of law.

Explanation

An authoritative construction of a statute carries the same binding effect as the statute itself; the interpretation, once settled, governs as law. (Duplicate maxim — see also 1.7.34.)

Where this applies

• A court's settled interpretation of a statute carries the same force as the statute itself.
• Once the meaning of a law is authoritatively established, that interpretation is binding.
• The court's construction of the law has become the law itself.

See also

• 1.7.34 The construction of law obtains the force of law.