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Simple English definitions for legal terms
ejusdem generis
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A quick definition of ejusdem generis:
Ejusdem generis is a legal principle that means "of the same kind." It is used to interpret laws and contracts. When a list of specific things is followed by a general term, ejusdem generis helps to limit the meaning of the general term to things that are similar to the specific things listed. For example, if a law mentions cars, trucks, and motorcycles, the general term "vehicles" would likely be interpreted to mean only motorized vehicles that are similar to cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and not things like airplanes or boats.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Ejusdem generis is a legal principle that means "of the same kind." It is used to interpret laws or contracts when general words or phrases follow specific words or phrases. The principle states that the general words should be limited to the same kind or class of things as the specific words.
Example: Let's say a law states that "no vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, are allowed on the sidewalk." In this case, ejusdem generis would limit the term "vehicles" to land-based transportation, since the specific examples given were all land-based vehicles. Therefore, airplanes would not be included in the definition of "vehicles" in this law.
Another example could be a contract that states "employees must wear appropriate clothing, such as suits, ties, and dress shoes." In this case, ejusdem generis would limit the term "appropriate clothing" to formal business attire, since the specific examples given were all formal clothing items.
These examples illustrate how ejusdem generis is used to interpret laws or contracts by limiting the scope of general terms to the same kind or class of things as the specific terms that precede them.