Legal Definitions - rational interpretation

Definition: Rational interpretation is a type of interpretation that departs from the literal words of a law or legal document on the basis that there may be other, more satisfactory evidence of the author's true intention. It is also known as logical interpretation.

Examples: If a law states that "no vehicles are allowed in the park," a strict or literal interpretation would mean that no form of transportation, including bicycles or wheelchairs, would be allowed. However, a rational interpretation would take into account the author's true intention and allow for exceptions for necessary forms of transportation.

Another example would be if a contract states that "the seller will deliver the goods within 30 days," a strict interpretation would mean that the seller must deliver the goods exactly on the 30th day. However, a rational interpretation would allow for a reasonable amount of time for delivery, taking into account factors such as shipping time and unforeseen circumstances.

Explanation: Rational interpretation is used when the literal words of a law or legal document do not fully capture the author's true intention. It allows for a more flexible and practical approach to interpretation, taking into account the context and purpose of the law or document. This type of interpretation is often used in cases where a strict or literal interpretation would lead to an absurd or unjust result.