# S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-1: Common-law rule of strict construction abrogated

> South Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-1

## Section

- **Citation:** S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-1
- **Heading:** Common-law rule of strict construction abrogated
- **Jurisdiction:** South Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SD Code / Title 22 / Chapter 1 / Section 22-1-1

## 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.

## Nearby sections

- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-1 Common-law rule of strict construction abrogated](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-1.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-2 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-2.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-4 Felony and misdemeanor distinguished](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-4.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-6 Performance of required act by another](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-6.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-7 Completion of crime involving dispatch of letter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-7.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-8 Act not deemed criminal unless prohibited by statute](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-8.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 22-1-9 Official possession of prohibited objects permitted](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T22_C1_S22-1-1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.