liberal, adj. 1. (Of a condition, state, opinion, etc.) not restricted; expansive; tolerant (liberal policy). 2. (Of a person or entity) opposed to conservatism; advocating expansive freedoms and individual expression ( liberal party). 3. (Of an act, etc.) generous (a liberal gift). 4. (Of an interpretation, construction, etc.) not strict or literal; loose (a liberal […]
penal (pee-n[schwa]l), adj. Of, relating to, or being a penalty or punishment, esp. for a crime. “The general rule is that penal statutes are to be construed strictly. By the word ‘penal’ in this connection is meant not only such statutes as in terms impose a fine, or corporal punishment, or forfeiture as a consequence
term-of-art canon. In statutory construction, the principle that if a term has acquired a technical or specialized meaning in a particular context, the term should be presumed to have that meaning if used in that context. [Cases: Statutes 192.]
carry, vb. 1. To sustain the weight or burden of; to hold or bear (more weight than a single person can carry). 2. To convey or transport (carrying the coal from one state to another). 3. To possess and convey (a firearm) in a vehicle, including the locked glove compartment or trunk of a car
reenactment rule. In statutory construction, the principle that when reenacting a law, the legislature implicitly adopts well-settled judicial or administrative interpretations of the law. [Cases: Statutes 223. 5. C.J.S. Statutes §§ 356–357.]