Lawful commands receive a strict interpretation, but unlawful ones a wide and broad construction.

Explanation

A lawful order is confined to its strict terms so that authority is not exceeded; an unlawful order is read broadly so that any illegality within it may be fully exposed and defeated.

Where this applies

• A lawful government order should be read strictly within its limits.
• An unlawful order should be read broadly so its illegality is fully exposed.
• If a command is legal, construe it narrowly; if illegal, construe it widely to reveal the overreach.