Definition of PLAIN MEANING • Law Dictionary • TheLaw.com

An interpretation using the literal meaning of the words without looking deeper into the legislative history or to other evidence that might illustrate the makers’ intent or the spirit of the law.

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STRICT CONSTRUCTION The narrow interpretation of a statute, clause or other legal writing. This methodology uses the…
LITERAL CONSTRUCTION The interpretation of a document, law or statute based upon the strict and plain meaning…
PLAIN MEANING RULE Where the meaning of the literal words in a document are clear, unambiguous and unchallengeable…
Ambiguitas verborum latens verificatione suppletur; nam quod Legal maxim and Latin for A hidden ambiguity of the words may be interpreted by…
PLAIN LANGUAGE The simple, literal meaning of words without resorting to additional explanations. The meaning of words…
INTERPRETATION The explication of a law, agreement, will, or other instrument, which appears obscure or ambiguous.…
BENIGNIOR SENTENTIA IN VERBIS GENERALIBUS SEU DUBIIS EST… Latin for more favorable construction is to be placed on general or doubtful words. If…
EXTRINSIC EVIDENCE External evidence, or that which is not contained in the body of an agreement, contract,…