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Simple English definitions for legal terms

contemporaneous-construction doctrine

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A quick definition of contemporaneous-construction doctrine:

The contemporaneous-construction doctrine is a rule that says when a law is unclear, the first interpretation made by a lower court or government agency should be given a lot of respect if it has been used for a long time.

A more thorough explanation:

The contemporaneous-construction doctrine is a rule that gives great deference to the initial interpretation of an ambiguous statute by an administrative agency or lower court if the interpretation has been used over a long period.

For example, if a law is unclear about whether or not a certain activity is legal, a government agency may interpret the law in a certain way. If this interpretation is consistently used over a long period of time, it may be given great weight by courts when deciding cases related to that law.

Another example could be a lower court interpreting a law in a certain way and consistently applying that interpretation in cases that come before it. If this interpretation is not challenged and is used over a long period of time, it may also be given great deference by higher courts.

The contemporaneous-construction doctrine is important because it helps provide stability and predictability in the interpretation of laws. It allows for consistency in how laws are applied and can help prevent confusion and uncertainty.

contemporaneous construction | contemporaneous-objection rule

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RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
I've been UR since first/second week of Jan, no updates otherwise, is that a bad sign? At or above median LSAT and above 75th gpa.
The profile links are not working for me. anybody else?
13:18
i’m in the same boat mastermonkey but with lower stats. i hope i hear back by mid march
CheeseIsMyLoveLanguage
13:24
@mastermonkey45: Looking at some of the recent decisions in relation to when they went complete, I'd say it's a good sign. It seems many declines were sent within about 5-6 weeks of completion. Given those were applications that were SENT in January, I'd say that means you're still solidly in the running. :)
14:30
Sent an app to OSU in early december and have STILL not heard back
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