Substantive Canons

Question 1

rule of lenity

Answer 1

ambiguity concerning the ambit of criminal statutes should be resolved in favor of lenity to the defendant

Question 2

constitutional avoidance

Answer 2

when an interpretation of an ambiguous statute would be unconstitutional, choose another one that would be constitutional

Question 3

federalism clear statement rule

Answer 3

a statute will not include a certain party within its scope unless it is plainly stated to do so within the statute