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Quote#Speech

The framers of the Constitution employed words in their natural…

Quote byMelville Fuller · 1833–1910

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: McPherson v. Blacker, 146 U.S. 1 (1892).

English (original)

The framers of the Constitution employed words in their natural sense; and, where they are plain and clear, resort to collateral aids to interpretation is unnecessary, and cannot be indulged in to narrow or enlarge the text; but where there is ambiguity or doubt, or where two views may well be entertained, contemporaneous and subsequent practical construction is entitled to the greatest weight.

— Melville Fuller

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