Strict Constructionist vs Zero-Tolerance

[ieoeja]

A strict constructionist judges cases based on the letter of the law as opposed to the spirit of the law. Zero-tolerance policies call for enforcement of the letter of the law, regulation, or policy as opposed to applying common sense to the individual situation.

I'm sure I could spin a way to make these two ideas seem completely different. But I would be lying to myself. They look pretty much the same to me.

I am getting tired of rightwingers using "strict constructionist" as a campaign theme, then sending out e-mails complaing about "zero-tolerance".