N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. » N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. / Title lxii / Chapter 625
New Hampshire Revised Statutes

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 625:3 (2026)

Construction of the Code

✓ current as of May 2026
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    625:3 Construction of the Code. – The rule that penal statutes are to be strictly construed does not apply to this code. All provisions of this code shall be construed according to the fair import of their terms and to promote justice.

Source. 1971, 518:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1973.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 127 cases (12 in the last 5 years), 1974–2025 · leading case: State v. Etienne, 35 A.3d 523 (N.H. 2011).
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State v. Etienne, 35 A.3d 523 (N.H. 2011). · cites it 2× “” RSA 625:3 *72 (2007). In doing so, we must first look to the plain language of the statute to determine legislative intent.”
State v. Kousounadis, 986 A.2d 603 (N.H. 2009). · cites it 2× “See RSA 625:3 (2007). We first look to the language of the statute itself, and, if possible, construe that language according to its plain and ordinary meaning.”
State v. Kevin Lynch, 156 A.3d 1012 (N.H. 2017). “” RSA 625:3 (2016). The simple assault statute provides, in pertinent part, that “[a] person is guilty of simple assault if he .”
State v. McKeown, 986 A.2d 583 (N.H. 2009). · cites it 3× “" RSA 625:3 (2007). In doing so, we must first look to the plain language of the statute to determine legislative intent.”
State v. Addison, 7 A.3d 1225 (N.H. 2010). · cites it 3× “, and we construe provisions of the Criminal Code “according to the fair import of their terms and to promote justice,” RSA 625:3 (2007). We interpret legislative intent from the statute as written and will not consider what the legislature might have said or add language it did…”
State v. Jennings, 973 A.2d 340 (N.H. 2009). · cites it 2× “688, 690 (2005) (quotations and citations omitted); see RSA 625:3 (2007). RSA 649-B:4 provides, in pertinent part: Any person who knowingly utilizes a computer on-line service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice, or attempt to…”
State v. Ravell, 922 A.2d 685 (N.H. 2007). · cites it 2× “RSA 625:3 (1996); State v. Porelle, 149 N.”
State v. Littlefield, 876 A.2d 712 (N.H. 2005). “See RSA 625:3 (1996). “Gross” is not a technical term requiring an elaborate definition by the court.”
State v. Formella, 960 A.2d 722 (N.H. 2008). · cites it 2× “See RSA 625:3 (2007); Petition of State of N.”
State v. Anthony, 861 A.2d 773 (N.H. 2004). · cites it 2× “” RSA 625:3 (1996). The defendant argues the only elements set forth in RSA 644:8,111(b) relate to a mental state, i.”
State v. Lamy, 969 A.2d 451 (N.H. 2009). “” RSA 625:3 (2007); see State v. Foss, 148 N.”
Duquette v. Warden, New Hampshire State Prison, 919 A.2d 767 (N.H. 2007). “See RSA 625:3 (1996); Petition of State of N.”
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