Legal Definitions - noscitur a sociis

Noscitur a sociis is a Latin legal principle that translates to "it is known by its associates." This rule of interpretation suggests that the meaning of an ambiguous or unclear word or phrase within a legal document, such as a statute, contract, or will, should be determined by the context provided by the words and phrases immediately surrounding it. Essentially, the company a word keeps helps to reveal its intended meaning.

Here are some examples to illustrate this principle:

• Example 1: Statutory Interpretation

  Imagine a local ordinance that states, "No person shall bring into the public park any *vehicle*, bicycle, skateboard, or roller skates." If someone brings a child's remote-controlled toy car into the park, is it prohibited? The word "vehicle" can be very broad. However, by applying noscitur a sociis, we look at the words associated with "vehicle": "bicycle," "skateboard," and "roller skates." These are all modes of personal transportation. Therefore, "vehicle" in this context would likely be interpreted to mean a device used for personal mobility, not a small toy, clarifying that the remote-controlled car is probably not prohibited under this specific clause.

• Example 2: Contractual Agreement

  Consider a contract for a professional cleaning service that specifies, "The service will include dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning of all *fixtures*." The client might expect the service to clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and built-in shelving. However, the cleaning company might argue that "fixtures" only refers to bathroom and kitchen sinks and toilets. Applying noscitur a sociis, the words "dusting" and "vacuuming" suggest general surface cleaning. If the contract also mentioned "sanitizing" or "scrubbing," it might imply a different scope for "fixtures." But in this context, "fixtures" would likely be interpreted to include items that are generally dusted and vacuumed, such such as light fixtures and shelves, rather than only plumbing fixtures requiring deep scrubbing.

• Example 3: Company Policy

  A company's employee handbook states, "Employees must not engage in *harassment*, including making offensive jokes, sending inappropriate emails, or displaying discriminatory images." An employee is accused of "harassment" for repeatedly asking a colleague about their weekend plans, making them feel uncomfortable. While persistent questioning could be annoying, the examples provided ("offensive jokes," "inappropriate emails," "discriminatory images") clarify that "harassment" in this policy refers to actions that are offensive, discriminatory, or sexually suggestive. Therefore, the employee's actions, while potentially unwelcome, would likely not fall under the definition of "harassment" as intended by this specific policy when applying noscitur a sociis.