{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "5.00", "citation": "Penal Law § 5.00", "heading": "Penal law not strictly construed", "text": ["§ 5.00 Penal law not strictly construed.", "The general rule that a penal statute is to be strictly construed does not apply to this chapter, but the provisions herein must be construed according to the fair import of their terms to promote justice and effect the objects of the law."], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/5.00", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "The old rule that criminal statutes must be read **strictly** does **not** apply to the Penal Law. ★ Its provisions are read by the **fair meaning of their words**, to promote justice and carry out the law's purposes.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/5.00", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}