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Simple English definitions for legal terms

doctrine of the last antecedent

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A quick definition of doctrine of the last antecedent:

The doctrine of the last antecedent is a rule that helps courts interpret sentences. It means that words or phrases that describe something only apply to the thing that comes right before them, unless the context or the whole sentence says otherwise. For example, if we say "Texas courts, New Mexico courts, and New York courts in the federal system," the words "in the federal system" only apply to New York courts and not to Texas or New Mexico courts.

A more thorough explanation:

The doctrine of the last antecedent is an interpretative principle used by courts to determine which words or phrases in a sentence are being modified by qualifying words or phrases. This principle states that qualifying words or phrases modify the words or phrases immediately preceding them and not words or phrases more remote, unless the extension is necessary from the context or the spirit of the entire writing.

For example, if a sentence reads "Texas courts, New Mexico courts, and New York courts in the federal system," the words "in the federal system" might be held to modify only "New York courts" and not "Texas courts" or "New Mexico courts." This is because "New York courts" is the last antecedent before the qualifying phrase "in the federal system."

This principle is important in legal interpretation because it helps to clarify the meaning of a sentence and avoid ambiguity. By following the doctrine of the last antecedent, courts can ensure that the intended meaning of a sentence is clear and unambiguous.

doctrine of the conclusiveness of the judgment | doctrine of the last preceding antecedent

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9:28
congrats on the 172 bruce
go dawgs fr
9:29
roll tide
do we foresee a fordham election day wave today (i'm delusional)
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:31
I think so, Jack
9:31
some people hate him. some people love him, but he a real one: https://youtu.be/w5oEqiVQcF4?t=173
9:32
[kevin oleary]
worthless i trust you implicitly you know what it will happen now.
worthless i trust you implicitly you know what it will happen now.
worthless i trust you implicitly you know what it will happen now.
worthless i trust you implicitly you know what it will happen now.
worthless i trust you implicitly you know what it will happen now.
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:34
I mean if Fordham doesn't release today I will purposefully get on a train, go to new york, and then take the stinkiest shit inside the admission office's toilet (potentially clogging it and forcing them to get a plumber)
IS IT ONLY ON MY END WHY DID THAT SEND TEN MILLION TIMES
HELLO
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:35
it sent a million times lol
WHAT HAPPENED
yeah i thought you were tweaking for a second
i'm so sorry everyone what the actual fuck this website hates me
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:35
Jack's just tweaking on LSD no biggie
to be fair this accurately represents my mental state
election day psychosis coming in hot (fordham)
usc pls pull through .....
i literally just need one A so i can relax before my ED decision
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:38
oh that's right USC might release
soapy
9:43
USC still has not looked at my app
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:43
when did you submit soapy?
soapy
9:44
10/16
WorthlessAttractiveZombie
9:44
to be fair it took them almost 2 months for me to go under review
soapy
9:44
Feelin a bit stressed, as I've got no date change for Michigan either despite applying 10/7
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