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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