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NeCede's

Maxim 10.2.7

Terms of an art are to be explained according to the art.

Termini artis explicandi sunt secundum artem.

Source: 2 Kent, Comm. 556 Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Technical words used in their technical context must be given their technical meaning; trade, science, and craft each supply the definitions proper to their own language.

Where this applies

  • Technical terms in a specialized contract should be given their technical meaning.
  • They're using a layperson's definition for a term that has a specific meaning in the trade.
  • Legal or industry jargon should be understood according to the field it belongs to.

Legal domains

interpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 10.2.7 — Terms of an art are to be explained according to the art. — 2 Kent, Comm. 556 (Termini artis explicandi sunt secundum artem.)

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