Legal Definitions - referendo singula singulis

Referendo singula singulis is a Latin legal principle that translates to "referring individual things to individual things." It is a rule of interpretation used when a legal document, such as a statute, contract, or will, contains a list of subjects and a list of objects, actions, or conditions within the same sentence or clause. When it's not immediately clear which item from the first list corresponds to which item from the second list, this principle guides interpreters to match each item to its most appropriate counterpart.

The core purpose of referendo singula singulis is to ensure a logical, sensible, and consistent interpretation of the text, preventing ambiguity and avoiding absurd or unintended results. It helps to clarify the specific relationship between different elements presented together in a complex statement.

Here are some examples illustrating this principle:

• Example 1: Statutory Interpretation

  Imagine a new city ordinance states: "Commercial properties and residential dwellings shall adhere to noise restrictions between 10 PM and 7 AM, and maintain landscaping standards year-round."

  Here, we have two types of properties ("commercial properties," "residential dwellings") and two requirements ("noise restrictions," "landscaping standards") linked by "and." Applying the principle of referendo singula singulis, an interpreter would understand that:

  • Commercial properties are primarily expected to adhere to noise restrictions between 10 PM and 7 AM (e.g., no loud machinery or deliveries during quiet hours).
  • Residential dwellings are primarily expected to maintain landscaping standards year-round (e.g., keeping lawns mowed, gardens tidy).

  This interpretation aligns the most pertinent requirement with each property type based on common understanding of their respective uses and impacts, even though both types of properties might have some overlap in these requirements.

• Example 2: Contractual Obligations

  Consider a service contract between a client and a marketing agency that states: "The agency will provide social media management and website design, and the client will supply content guidelines and brand assets."

  In this clause, there are two services to be provided by the agency and two types of inputs to be supplied by the client. Using referendo singula singulis, the interpretation would be:

  • The agency's social media management service requires the client to supply content guidelines.
  • The agency's website design service requires the client to supply brand assets.

  This principle clarifies the reciprocal obligations, ensuring that each party understands which specific input corresponds to which specific service, rather than assuming the client supplies *all* inputs for *both* services indiscriminately.

• Example 3: Trust Document Provisions

  A clause in a trust document specifies: "The trustee shall distribute the investment portfolio and the family home to the beneficiaries upon their 25th birthday and marriage, whichever comes first."

  Here, we have two assets ("investment portfolio," "family home") and two conditions for distribution ("25th birthday," "marriage"). Applying referendo singula singulis, a court would likely interpret this to mean:

  • The investment portfolio is distributed upon the beneficiary's 25th birthday.
  • The family home is distributed upon the beneficiary's marriage.

  This interpretation aligns the more liquid asset (investment portfolio) with a fixed age milestone, and the more significant asset (family home) with a life event often associated with establishing a new household, reflecting a logical and common intent for such distributions within a trust.