What does the letter of the law refer to?

The letter of the law refers to the strict application of the law's literal meaning. This concept emphasizes the importance of interpreting legal texts as they are written, without considering external factors such as the intent behind the law or the broader context in which it exists. When applying the letter of the law, judges and legal practitioners focus solely on the specific wording and phrasing used in statutes and regulations. This approach is crucial in ensuring consistency, predictability, and objectivity in legal proceedings, as it calls for adherence to the exact language of the law rather than allowing for subjective interpretations.

In contrast to this approach, interpretations based on intent or flexible applications would rely on understanding the broader goals or principles underlying the law, which can lead to varying outcomes based on individual perspectives. The letter of the law aims to minimize ambiguity and provides a clear framework that can be uniformly applied across different cases.