View source for Interpretation is offered, not imposed

{{LawPageHeader
|title=Interpretation Is Offered, Not Imposed
|category=Tsm’syen Law
|status=Working
|part=Part II — Social Order of the Tsm’syen
}}

'''Principle'''
Interpretation is offered, not imposed.

== Purpose ==
This page records a core limit on legal interpretation in Tsm’syen law. Interpretation exists to clarify, guide, and support lawful authority. It must not be used as a tool to compel obedience, override jurisdiction, or force outcomes without consent or recognition.

== Statement of Law ==
Interpretation:
* is offered as guidance
* may be accepted, questioned, or declined
* does not compel compliance by itself
* gains authority through recognition, not force

Lawful interpretation respects autonomy within houses, clans, and leadership roles.

== Nature of Interpretation ==
=== Offered, Not Forced ===
* Interpretation is shared, not commanded.
* It does not carry automatic enforcement power.
* Acceptance depends on trust, relevance, and lawful context.

=== Grounded in Relationship ===
* Interpretation is meaningful only within recognized relationships.
* Authority to interpret arises from conduct, knowledge, and accountability.
* Imposed interpretation damages legitimacy and balance.

=== Accountable to Consequence ===
* Interpretations must withstand reflection over time.
* Harmful or self-serving interpretations lose credibility.
* Interpretation remains subject to correction through witness and memory.

== Who May Offer Interpretation ==
Interpretation may be offered by:
* elders
* house members with recognized knowledge
* leaders acting within their lawful role
* witnesses recalling precedent

Offering interpretation does not elevate the speaker above the law.

== Limits ==
* Interpretation cannot be imposed by position alone.
* Interpretation cannot override house or clan authority.
* Interpretation cannot be used to silence dissent.
* Interpretation cannot substitute for consent or lawful process.

== Modern Context ==
In modern governance settings, this principle prevents:
* reinterpretation being used as coercion
* legal advice being framed as binding order
* external legal logic being imposed through “expert” authority
* decisions being justified after the fact by forced interpretation

== Practical Indicators ==
A lawful interpretation will:
* be presented openly
* invite reflection and discussion
* respect jurisdictional boundaries
* allow disagreement without punishment
* remain defensible before witnesses

An imposed interpretation will often:
* rely on position or threat
* dismiss relationship and history
* demand compliance without process
* centralize authority improperly

== See also ==
* [[Elders as Interpreters of Law]]
* [[Elders May Advise Houses, Clans, or Leadership]]
* [[Interpretation Considers History, Relationship, and Consequence]]
* [[Ayaawx (Tsm’syen Law)]]
* [[Adaawx and Territory]]
* [[Limits on Authority]]
* [[Accountability before Witnesses]]