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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Lord Tenterden's rule
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A quick definition of Lord Tenterden's rule:
Lord Tenterden's rule is a way of interpreting words in a list. If a general word comes after a list of specific things, it will only include things that are similar to the specific things listed. For example, if a list includes horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, the general word "farm animal" would only include four-legged, hoofed mammals typically found on farms, and not chickens. This rule is also called the ejusdem generis rule or the rule of the same kind or class.
A more thorough explanation:
Lord Tenterden's rule is a legal principle that helps interpret the meaning of a general word or phrase in a contract or statute. It states that when a general word or phrase follows a list of specific items, the general word or phrase will only include items of the same type as those listed.
For example, let's say a contract states that a person can bring "dogs, cats, birds, or any other pet" to a certain place. According to Lord Tenterden's rule, the phrase "any other pet" would only include animals that are similar to dogs, cats, and birds. So, a person couldn't bring a snake or a fish because they are not the same type of animal as the ones listed.
This rule is also known as the "ejusdem generis" rule, which is Latin for "of the same kind or class." It helps prevent confusion and ensures that the parties involved in a contract or statute have a clear understanding of what is included.