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Simple English definitions for legal terms
plain-meaning rule
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A quick definition of plain-meaning rule:
The plain-meaning rule is a legal principle that states that if a written document or provision appears to be clear and unambiguous, its meaning should be determined from the document itself without using any outside evidence. This rule is often criticized for being too simplistic because the meaning of words can vary depending on the context and circumstances. However, the rule is still used in many legal cases to interpret contracts and statutes. Essentially, the plain-meaning rule means that words should be read as saying what they say, without trying to read too much into them or adding any extra meaning.
A more thorough explanation:
The plain-meaning rule is a legal principle that states that if a written document or provision appears to be clear and unambiguous, its meaning must be determined from the document itself without using any external evidence. This rule is often used in contract law and statutory interpretation.
For example, if a contract states that "the buyer will pay $100 for the goods," the plain-meaning rule would dictate that the buyer must pay $100 for the goods, without considering any other factors or evidence.
However, critics of the plain-meaning rule argue that it can be too simplistic, as the meaning of words can vary depending on the context and circumstances. Additionally, the rule can sometimes be used to interpret language in a way that goes against established principles of communication and meaning.
Overall, the plain-meaning rule is a useful tool for interpreting written documents, but it should be used with caution and in conjunction with other legal principles and considerations.