The rule of ejusdem generis is a principle of legal interpretation used to interpret statutes or contracts. The rule applies when a list of specific items or categories is followed by a more general term. Under the rule of ejusdem generis, the general term is interpreted to include only items or categories that are of the same type or nature as the specific items or categories listed before it.
Example: If a statute lists “dogs, cats, and other pets,” followed by the general term “animals,” the rule of ejusdem generis would interpret “animals” to mean only domesticated pets, rather than all animals, because “dogs” and “cats” are specific types of domesticated pets.
The rule of ejusdem generis is based on the principle that when a list of specific items or categories is provided, the legislature or parties to the contract likely intended to include only items or categories of the same type or nature as those listed, rather than any item or category that might be considered general.
The rule helps to ensure that the interpretation of the statute or contract is consistent with the intention of the parties.
However, the rule of ejusdem generis is not always applicable or conclusive. In some cases, the specific items or categories listed may be too limited to provide a clear understanding of the intended meaning of the general term. In such cases, other principles of legal interpretation, such as the plain meaning rule or the contextual approach, may be used to determine the meaning of the statute or contract.
