The law always intends what is agreeable to reason.

Explanation

When a statute or rule admits of two readings, adopt the one that accords with reason — the law never intends an absurd result.

Where this applies

• A statute could be read two ways, one reasonable and one absurd.
• A court must choose between a sensible and a nonsensical interpretation of a law.

See also

• 1.4.1 Equity is a certain perfect reason which interprets and amends the written law, comprehended in no writing, but consisting in right reason alone.
• 1.5.20 Reason is the soul of law; when the reason of the law changes, the law itself changes.