The Ramseyer Rule, named after Representative C. William Ramseyer of Iowa, is a requirement in the U.S. House of Representatives for any committee reporting a bill that modifies an existing law to clearly indicate the words that would be removed or added to the current law. Similarly, the U.S. Senate has a similar rule called the Cordon Rule, named after Senator Guy Cordon of Oregon. Both rules aim to assist lawmakers and citizens in comprehending the alterations being made to current laws.
The Ramseyer rule, a rule in the U.S. House of Representatives, mandates that any committee reporting a bill that modifies existing legislation must include in its report the specific wording that the bill would remove or add to the current law. This requirement ensures that if a committee intends to alter an existing law, they must clearly articulate the exact changes they propose and how it will impact the current law. For instance, if a committee wishes to amend a law stating “all dogs must be on a leash in public places,” they must specify in their report the exact wording they want to remove from the current law and the new wording they want to include. They might state, for example, “we suggest removing the phrase ‘on a leash’ and replacing it with ‘under control,’ resulting in the law reading ‘all dogs must be under control in public places.'” This transparency allows everyone to understand the precise modifications being made and the rationale behind them. The Ramseyer rule is named after Representative C. William Ramseyer of Iowa, who proposed it. The U.S. Senate has a similar rule known as the Cordon rule, named after Senator Guy Cordon of Oregon.
The Ramseyer Rule is a legal principle that allows a court to consider extrinsic evidence to interpret an ambiguous term in a written contract.
The Ramseyer Rule is applied when there is an ambiguity in a contract term, and the court needs to determine the parties’ intent.
The Ramseyer Rule allows the court to consider evidence outside the contract itself, such as the parties’ negotiations or industry customs, to interpret the ambiguous term.
The court considers various factors, including the language of the contract, the context in which it was written, the parties’ conduct, and the purpose of the contract.
No, the Ramseyer Rule does not allow the court to change the terms of a contract. It only helps in interpreting ambiguous terms.
No, the Ramseyer Rule is not universally applied. Its availability and application may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.
No, the Ramseyer Rule is primarily used in civil cases involving contract interpretation. It does not apply to criminal cases.
Yes, there are limitations to the Ramseyer Rule. For example, it cannot be used to contradict clear and unambiguous contract language.
Yes, the parties can waive the application of the Ramseyer Rule by including a provision in the contract that restricts the court’s consideration of extrinsic evidence.
Yes, the Ramseyer Rule can be used in various types of contracts, including commercial contracts, employment agreements, and lease agreements, among others. However, its application depends on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction in which the contract is being interpreted.
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: 16th April 2024.
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