textualism

[ teks-choo-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. strict adherence to a text, especially of the Scriptures.
2. Law. the doctrine that a legal document or statute should be interpreted by determining the relatively objective ordinary meaning of its words and phrases, without regard to historical context or legislative history: originalism.

   Textualism holds, that when applying the law, the words of the Constitution itself are to be the final authority.

textualism

/ ˈtɛkstjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. doctrinaire adherence to a text, esp of the Bible
2. textual criticism, esp of the Bible

Derived Forms

• ˈtextualist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of textualism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; textual + -ism

Example Sentences

For me, that was such a useful way to think about how factuality has been eroded by originalism, and textualism, and strict construction, or whatever the theory is, because it actually isn’t fact-based; it’s guess-based or maybe Ouija board–based or séance-based, just not based in any fact.

From Slate

The society is widely seen as an instrumental force in cultivating young conservative lawyers and building a bench of future judges whose embrace of legal theories like originalism and textualism have led to decisions overturning abortion rights, environmental protections and social welfare policies.

From Salon

Again, it’s in the plain language, and that’s textualism, right?

From Slate

You know, there’s a difference between textualism and originalism.

From Slate

Textualism says we can figure it out from the language itself, but if you have to take an extra step and go to an originalist analysis, you will find that Thaddeus Stevens and the radical Republicans who brought Section 3 of the 14th Amendment came in with a far broader proposal over on the House side.

From Slate