Article 5: General rules of construction and application

The complete law is as follows:

Article 5: General rules of construction and application

5.00 Penal law not strictly construed.
5.05 Application of chapter to offenses committed before and after enactment.
5.10 Other limitations on applicability of this chapter.

NY PENAL LAW § 5.00

Penal law not strictly construed.

The general rule that a penal statute is to be strictly construed does not apply to this chapter, but the provisions herein must be construed according to the fair import of their terms to promote justice and effect the objects of the law.