What is a textualist?

A textualist is someone who interprets legal texts, such as statutes and constitutions, based primarily on the ordinary meaning of the Words at the time they were written, rather than considering the intent of the lawmakers or the broader social implications. This approach emphasizes a strict adherence to the text itself, arguing that it promotes objectivity and predictability in legal interpretation. Textualism is often associated with certain judges and legal scholars who advocate for this method as a way to limit judicial activism.