What is textualism

Answer 1

Textualism is a method of legal interpretation that focuses on the "plain meaning" of the text of a law or legal document. It advocates for judges to primarily rely on the wording of a statute or constitution rather than considering other factors such as legislative intent or social policy implications. Textualists believe that the meaning of a law is discerned from the text itself, and argue that judges should not interpret or infer additional meanings or intentions beyond what is expressed in the written language. This approach is often associated with conservative legal philosophy and has been influential in the United States, particularly on the Supreme Court.