It depends on the area of the law and the field of application. E.g. criminal law and stuff that is meant to cut into civil liberties is very precise and letter

It depends on the area of the law and the field of application. E.g. criminal law and stuff that is meant to cut into civil liberties is very precise and letter-of-the-law style. Any criminal act needs to be defined in the law, you-know-what-we-mean isn't acceptable there. On the other hand consumer-protection, environmental regulations and stuff like that is interpreted more in a you-know-what-we-mean-style. Of course there are areas where both styles overlap.