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Simple English definitions for legal terms

rational interpretation

Read a random definition: ad pristinum statum

A quick definition of rational interpretation:

Interpretation is the process of figuring out what something means, like a law or a document. There are different ways to interpret something, like looking at the words themselves or comparing it to other similar things. Sometimes, people ask the person who wrote it what they meant, which is called authentic interpretation. Interpreting something can also mean understanding what it means to you personally. It can also mean translating something from one language to another.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Rational interpretation is a type of interpretation that departs from the literal words of a law or legal document on the basis that there may be other, more satisfactory evidence of the author's true intention. It is also known as logical interpretation.

Examples: If a law states that "no vehicles are allowed in the park," a strict or literal interpretation would mean that no form of transportation, including bicycles or wheelchairs, would be allowed. However, a rational interpretation would take into account the author's true intention and allow for exceptions for necessary forms of transportation.

Another example would be if a contract states that "the seller will deliver the goods within 30 days," a strict interpretation would mean that the seller must deliver the goods exactly on the 30th day. However, a rational interpretation would allow for a reasonable amount of time for delivery, taking into account factors such as shipping time and unforeseen circumstances.

Explanation: Rational interpretation is used when the literal words of a law or legal document do not fully capture the author's true intention. It allows for a more flexible and practical approach to interpretation, taking into account the context and purpose of the law or document. This type of interpretation is often used in cases where a strict or literal interpretation would lead to an absurd or unjust result.

rational doubt | rational-purpose test

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12:34
gotchu
hello friends
13:09
Yo
lawguy we're nearly stats twins :D
13:13
I saw that, and I saw you got the Georgetown interview invite yesterday too! Goodluck!
you too haha, i was super surprised to have received one so early not gonna lie
i heard the group interview is really chill and I'm kinda excited to do it
seems cool
13:14
Yeah, 7sage has a page that talks about the questions for each schools interview, GULC's seems unique
13:15
Idk how much of an effect it has on admissions chances but should be cool either way
ive heard the conversion rate for gulc group interview is pretty high even moreso if you have the stats
it's hard to say but i've also heard that the group interview is harder to get than the alumni interview. but who really knows tbh
im p sure they don't interview everyone and getting one this early should be a great sign!
13:16
Yeah I've heard the same ab the group interview
13:17
So maybe I'll see you in D.C. a year from now lmao
initiallaw
13:32
Speaking of stat twins kazuyamishima were exact stat twins lol
17:13
Anyone going to the UGA zoom thing on the 22nd?
17:16
My bad, 24th*
Idk, what's it for?
@Law-Guy: How'd you get the Vandy fee waiver?
17:32
What does going ur3 in 3 days mean at Uva 😅
that you will get UR2 in 3 more
17:33
somethings gotta give
I’m new. What’s the UR and UR2?
17:35
I already went ur2. It’s the 3rd status date change
17:35
@RustyWrangler: attend one of their virtual info sessions and they'll send you a fee waiver
@Law-Guy: Awesome, thanks! I'll sign up rn!
i'm not entirely sure
They've recently been sending a lot of interview invites
It means status change?
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