Legal Definitions - four-corners rule

The four-corners rule is a principle used to determine the meaning of a document. It states that the meaning of a document should be gathered from the entire document and not just from its isolated parts.

For example, if you are reading a contract, you should not just focus on one sentence or clause to determine its meaning. Instead, you should read the entire contract to understand the context and intent of the parties involved.

Another example is when interpreting a statute. The four-corners rule requires that the meaning of the statute should be gathered from the entire text of the law, including its headings, titles, and other provisions.

The four-corners rule is important because it helps to ensure that the true meaning of a document is understood and that it is not misinterpreted based on isolated parts.