Legal Definitions - rule of interpretation

Definition: A rule or principle that is accepted as fundamental for interpreting something, such as a law or a text.

Example: The rule of interpretation known as the "plain meaning rule" states that the words of a statute or contract should be given their ordinary and literal meaning, unless there is a clear indication that a different meaning was intended.

Explanation: This means that when interpreting a law or contract, the words should be understood in their usual sense, unless there is evidence that the words were meant to be understood differently. For example, if a contract says "the car must be delivered on Monday," the plain meaning of this is that the car must be delivered on the first Monday after the contract was signed. If there is no evidence that the parties meant something else, this is how the contract should be interpreted.