Canons of Construction

Canons of Construction are guiding principles used by judges and lawyers to interpret the language of laws and legal documents. They help ensure consistent and fair understanding when the wording is unclear or ambiguous. For example, they may prioritize the plain meaning of words, consider the law’s purpose, or interpret statutes in a way that uphold justice and the intent of lawmakers. These canons serve as tools to clarify meaning, reduce misinterpretation, and apply laws effectively, ensuring legal texts are understood and enforced in a logical, principled manner.