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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