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Common-law rule of strict construction abrogated

South DakotaStatutes

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SD Code › Title 22 › Chapter 1 › Section 22-1-1

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

The rule of the common law that penal statutes are to be strictly construed has no application to this title. All its criminal and penal provisions and all penal statutes shall be construed according to the fair import of their terms, with a view to effect their objects and promote justice.

Source: SDC 1939, § 13.0101; SL 1977, ch 189, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 356.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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