This division and Division 5 shall be liberally constructed by the courts.

This division and Division 5 shall be liberally constructed by the courts.

• A. Strictly construed by the legislature
• B. Liberally constructed by the courts
• C. Narrowly interpreted by the judiciary
• D. Uniformly applied by the department

Answer: (B)

When a division is described as liberally constructed by the courts, the idea is that the judiciary should interpret its provisions in a broad, purposive way to carry out the statute’s goals and protect the intended beneficiaries. This directive places the responsibility on the courts to read ambiguous or broad terms in a way that furthers the act’s objectives, rather than applying a narrow, technical, or restrictive reading. That’s why the correct interpretation is that the division should be liberally constructed by the courts. The other options misstate who interprets and how. Strictly construed by the legislature incorrectly assigns interpretation to the legislature and uses a strict standard, which conflicts with the instruction to interpret liberally by the courts. Narrowly interpreted by the judiciary suggests a restrictive judicial approach, opposite to liberally construed. Uniformly applied by the department focuses on enforcement by a department rather than judicial interpretation.

When a division is described as liberally constructed by the courts, the idea is that the judiciary should interpret its provisions in a broad, purposive way to carry out the statute’s goals and protect the intended beneficiaries. This directive places the responsibility on the courts to read ambiguous or broad terms in a way that furthers the act’s objectives, rather than applying a narrow, technical, or restrictive reading. That’s why the correct interpretation is that the division should be liberally constructed by the courts.

The other options misstate who interprets and how. Strictly construed by the legislature incorrectly assigns interpretation to the legislature and uses a strict standard, which conflicts with the instruction to interpret liberally by the courts. Narrowly interpreted by the judiciary suggests a restrictive judicial approach, opposite to liberally construed. Uniformly applied by the department focuses on enforcement by a department rather than judicial interpretation.