letter of the law
LET-er of the LAW
ˈlɛtər əv ðə lɔːListen
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Dictionary meaning
the precise and literal interpretation of a legal text, rule, or instruction as written, adhering strictly to its explicit wording without considering the underlying purpose, context, or equitable consequences of applying the rule in a particular situation; adherence to the letter of the law is contrasted with the spirit of the law, which attends to legislative intent and the broader values and purposes the rule was designed to serve; the phrase is used critically to describe legalistic rigidity that produces unjust or absurd outcomes in specific cases, and appreciatively to describe consistent and predictable application of rules that protects parties from arbitrary or discretionary treatment
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