Practice question
After ordinary interpretive analysis, a penal phrase remains genuinely open to two reasonable constructions, one covering the accused’s conduct and one excluding it. No clear legislative resolution settles the doubt. Which is best?
- Choose liability solely because the accusation is serious
- Choose whichever outcome gets more publicity
- Disregard every provision of the law
- Apply the reasonable favorable construction under lenity
- Let the complainant choose the meaning
Legal references
- Spouses Dulay v.People, GR215132, September13,2021, pro reo distinction: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2021/sep2021/gr_215132_2021.html
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