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NeCede's

Maxim 10.6.14

General words are to be understood in a general sense.

Generalia verba sunt generaliter intelligenda.

Source: 3 Co. Inst. 76; Bouvier Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Words of general import are not to be narrowed without reason; where the legislature has spoken broadly, the court must give the words their full natural reach.

Where this applies

  • General words in the statute should be given their full natural scope.
  • They're trying to narrow general language that was intended to be broad.
  • Words of general import should not be artificially restricted.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 10.6.14 — General words are to be understood in a general sense. — 3 Co. Inst. 76; Bouvier (Generalia verba sunt generaliter intelligenda.)

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