The courts
textualism
An approach to reading statutes that looks to the ordinary public meaning of the words enacted, rather than to legislative purpose or history.
In full
Textualists argue that only the text passed both chambers and was signed, so intentions expressed elsewhere were never enacted. Purposivists reply that words are chosen to accomplish something and that ignoring purpose produces absurd results. In practice most judges use both, and the fight is over which controls when they conflict.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.