The law always intends what is agreeable to reason; the law compels no one to do vain or useless things.

Explanation

An interpretation that makes a statute or instrument irrational or purposeless is presumed wrong — the law is a creature of reason.

Where this applies

• The interpretation they want would make the law irrational and purposeless.
• The law always intends what makes sense — it never compels useless actions.
• A statute shouldn't be read to require vain or pointless things.

See also

• 2.1.11 The end of a thing is to be attended to.
• 12.3.4 Too great subtlety is disapproved in law.