canons of construction

Canons of construction is defined as a system of rules or maxims that are used to interpret legal instruments such as statutes . There are several canons of construction such as contra proferentem and ejusdem generis , that are used by attorneys or judges to interpret specific laws. It is to be noted that canons of construction are not rules but rather they act as a principle that guides the interpretation of text.

[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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