Legal Definitions - Lord Tenterden's rule

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.