Canons of Construction
/ˈkænənz əv kənˈstrʌkʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) Established principles and rules used by courts and legal practitioners to interpret statutes and legal texts.
The judge relied on the canons of construction to resolve ambiguities in the statute.
- (n.) Traditional maxims guiding the interpretation of contracts and constitutional provisions.
One common canon of construction is to interpret ambiguities against the drafter.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Canons of construction are interpretative tools rather than rigid rules; drafters should be aware that multiple canons may apply and sometimes conflict.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.