California Codes, Civil Code - CIV, Preliminary Provisions, Section 4
The rule of the common law, that statutes in derogation thereof are to be strictly construed, has no application to this Code. The Code establishes the law of this State respecting the subjects to which it relates, and its provisions are to be liberally construed with a view to effect its objects and to promote justice.
Notes
Rejects the common law rule that statutes in derogation of the common law are strictly construed, and requires this code's provisions instead to be construed liberally to effect its objects and promote justice, since the code establishes state law on the subjects it covers.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Civil Code - CIV § 4 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/civil-code/preliminary-provisions/section-4