Warning

Info

Warning

Info

Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

last antecedent, rule of the

Read a random definition: investigating magistrate

A quick definition of last antecedent, rule of the:

The rule of the last antecedent is a principle used by courts to interpret sentences. It means that words or phrases that describe or limit something only apply to the words or phrases that come immediately before them, unless the context or meaning of the whole sentence requires them to apply to something else. For example, if we say "I gave apples to John, Mary, and Jane in the park," the phrase "in the park" only applies to Jane, because it comes right after her name. This rule helps us understand what a sentence means more clearly.

A more thorough explanation:

The rule of the last antecedent is an interpretative principle used by courts to determine which words or phrases a qualifying phrase modifies. It 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.

The rule of the last antecedent is also known as the doctrine of the last antecedent or the doctrine of the last preceding antecedent.

Here is another example:

"John gave his car keys to his brother, Tom, and his friend, Mike, who were waiting outside." In this sentence, the rule of the last antecedent would mean that "who were waiting outside" modifies "Mike" and not "Tom."

Overall, the rule of the last antecedent helps to clarify the meaning of a sentence by indicating which words or phrases are being modified by a qualifying phrase.

last | last-clear-chance doctrine

Warning

Info

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
jackfrost11770
23:16
should i start using letterboxed again
Dkk
23:25
@jackfrost11770: if you want but like it aint for me
dk do u ever eat at bk
Dkk
23:48
@chickenburgahfart: I would do that in the Army if really desperate for food or if I had to work through lunch. One of the few fast food places I go to.
bk so slept on
Dkk
0:23
I will take In N Out everyday over it when I can though.
texaslawhopefully
1:22
In N Out is not only the best fast food place, but the prices too are fantastic
Dkk
1:27
Indeed, indeed.
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.