Legal Definitions - plain meaning

Plain meaning refers to a fundamental principle in legal interpretation where the words used in a statute, contract, will, or other legal document are understood in their ordinary, common, and everyday sense. This approach assumes that the language itself is clear enough to convey the intended message without needing to look for hidden meanings or external evidence of intent. The goal is to give effect to what the words literally say, as a reasonable person would understand them, rather than searching for a more complex or specialized interpretation.

• Example 1: A Lease Agreement

  Imagine a residential lease agreement that includes a clause stating, "No alterations, including painting or drilling into walls, are permitted without prior written consent from the landlord." A tenant decides to hang a small picture frame using an adhesive strip that doesn't damage the wall. The landlord argues this is an "alteration" requiring consent.

  Applying the plain meaning rule, "drilling into walls" clearly refers to making holes, which the adhesive strip does not do. "Painting" is also clearly not involved. While "alterations" could be broadly interpreted, the clause provides specific examples ("including painting or drilling into walls") that suggest the type of alterations prohibited are those that physically change or damage the structure. An adhesive strip, in its ordinary sense, would not typically be considered an "alteration" in the same category as painting or drilling, especially if it leaves no lasting mark. Therefore, the plain meaning of the clause would likely not prohibit the use of such a strip.

• Example 2: A City Ordinance

  Consider a city ordinance that states, "All vehicles parked on public streets between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM must display a valid residential parking permit." A resident parks their motorcycle on the street during these hours without a permit, arguing that a motorcycle is not a "vehicle" in the same way a car is, and the ordinance is meant to address larger automobiles.

  Under the plain meaning approach, the term "vehicles" in common language refers to any machine used for transporting people or goods, especially on land. This definition clearly includes motorcycles. The ordinance does not specify "four-wheeled vehicles" or "automobiles," but broadly uses "vehicles." Therefore, the ordinary understanding of the word would require the motorcycle to display a permit, regardless of its size compared to a car.

• Example 3: A Will and Testament

  A will contains a provision stating, "I bequeath all my jewelry to my eldest daughter, Eleanor." After the person's passing, Eleanor claims a valuable collection of antique watches, arguing they are a form of jewelry. Other beneficiaries contend that "jewelry" refers only to items worn for adornment, like necklaces, rings, and bracelets, and not timepieces.

  Applying the plain meaning rule, "jewelry" is commonly understood as ornaments worn for personal adornment, often made of precious metals and stones. While watches can be decorative and valuable, in everyday language, they are typically categorized as "watches" or "timepieces" rather than "jewelry." If the deceased had intended to include watches, they might have specified "jewelry and watches" or "personal adornments." Therefore, the plain meaning of "jewelry" would likely exclude the antique watches from Eleanor's inheritance.