It is to the intention that all law applies. Law always regards the intention.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Every rule of law bends toward effectuating the intention behind it — when construing a contract, will, or statute, the intention of the maker governs over the bare letter of the text.

Where this applies

• A contract clause is ambiguous, but both parties agree they intended it to mean a fixed delivery date; the court enforces that meaning because the law always looks to intention over bare words.
• A statute could be read two ways, but the legislative history makes the legislature's purpose clear; the court follows the intended meaning, not the awkward phrasing.
• A testator's will uses imprecise language, but letters and testimony show exactly what she meant to leave to each heir; the court honors her intention because that is what the law regards above all.