Montana § 45-1-102 - General Purposes And Principles Of Construction
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 45-1-102 — General Purposes And Principles Of Construction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-1-102. General Purposes And Principles Of Construction
General purposes and principles of construction. (1) The general purposes of the provisions governing the definition of offenses are: (a) to forbid and prevent conduct that unjustifiably and inexcusably inflicts or threatens harm to individual or public interests; (b) to safeguard conduct that is without fault from condemnation as criminal; (c) to give fair warning of the nature of the conduct declared to constitute an offense; (d) to differentiate on reasonable grounds between serious and minor offenses. (2) The rule of the common law that penal statutes are to be strictly construed has no application to this code. All its provisions are to be construed according to the fair import of their terms with a view to effect its object and to promote justice.
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 45-1-102
What does Montana Code Annotated § 45-1-102 cover?
Section 45-1-102 ("General Purposes And Principles Of Construction") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 45-1-102?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 45-1-102" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 45-1-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.