The plain meaning of a communication is the straightforward and obvious interpretation of words or statements, without considering any hidden or implied meanings. It is the meaning that a reasonable person would understand from a written or spoken communication. This is crucial in legal contexts, where contracts and other documents are interpreted based on their plain meaning, rather than the subjective understanding of the parties involved. Essentially, plain meaning is what something says on the surface, without any need for further interpretation or analysis.
Plain meaning refers to the intended or conveyed sense of anything, such as words, in a written or spoken statement. It includes a reasonable but mistaken understanding of a communication and is often based on its objective meaning, regardless of the party’s subjective understanding or intent. To determine the plain meaning of a document, the words are interpreted in their ordinary sense, without considering any external indications of the author’s intent. For example, if a contract states that a payment is due on the 1st of the month, the plain meaning is that the payment is due on the first day of each month. Similarly, if a law prohibits “driving a vehicle on a sidewalk,” the plain meaning is that operating a vehicle on a pedestrian walkway is illegal. These examples demonstrate how plain meaning is determined solely by the ordinary sense of the words used, without taking into account any additional context or intent. Even if a party had a different subjective understanding or intent, the plain meaning of the words used will prevail.
The plain meaning rule is a principle of statutory interpretation that requires courts to interpret the language of a statute based on its ordinary and common-sense meaning, without considering extrinsic evidence or legislative history.
The plain meaning rule is used when the language of a statute is clear and unambiguous. Courts will apply the plain meaning rule to interpret the statute without looking to outside sources for additional meaning.
In some cases, courts may depart from the plain meaning rule if applying the plain meaning of a statute would lead to an unjust or absurd result. In such cases, courts may consider extrinsic evidence or legislative history to interpret the statute in a way that avoids the unjust or absurd outcome.
In some cases, the plain meaning of a statute may be overridden by clear evidence of legislative intent. If the legislative history or other extrinsic evidence clearly indicates that the plain meaning of the statute does not reflect the legislature’s intent, courts may interpret the statute in accordance with that intent.
Courts will look to the ordinary and common-sense meaning of the words used in the statute, as well as the context in which the words are used, to determine the plain meaning of a statute.
No, the plain meaning rule applies only to clear and unambiguous statutes. If a statute is ambiguous, courts will use other principles of statutory interpretation to determine the statute’s meaning.
Courts will look to precedent to see how the plain meaning rule has been applied in similar cases. However, precedent is not binding, and courts may depart from prior interpretations of the plain meaning rule if they believe a different approach is warranted.
The plain meaning of a statute is generally determined at the time the statute was enacted. However, as language and societal norms evolve, the plain meaning of a statute may be subject to reinterpretation by courts.
The plain meaning rule also applies to the interpretation of contracts. Courts will look to the plain and ordinary meaning of the contract language to determine the parties’ intent.
If you believe that the plain meaning of a statute has been misinterpreted in your case, you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your options for challenging the interpretation and advocating for a different outcome.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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