Plain Meaning Rule Law and Legal Definition
The Plain meaning rule is a type of statutory construction by which statutes are to be interpreted using the ordinary meaning of the language of the statute. This applies when there is no ambiguity in a will. In such a situation, the court should refuse admission of extrinsic evidence to overturn the plain meaning of the Will. The soft plain meaning rule means that the statute is to be interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the language, unless the result would be cruel or absurd. The plain meaning rule requires that words are given their ordinary meaning, technical terms are given their technical meaning, and local, cultural terms are recognized as applicable. Additionally, the plain meaning rule prevents courts from taking sides in legislative or political issues.
