Common interpretation maxims
There are some common principles or presumptions as regards legislation which are usually expressed in latin maxims which are resorted to in interpreting words in contexts in which they appear. They are explained below. 1. The ejusdem generis principle : This principle shows that in a situation where there is a list of things which fall under an identical class, followed by a general word, the scope of the general words is restricted to things belonging to the class to which all the specific or particular fall. You can consider this as a case of common noun and proper nouns.. let's say the law provides that biros,pencils and markers and all other writing aids should not be used. Such law covers other writing materials not listed here. 2 .Expressio unis est exclusio atterius : the express mention of a thing is to the exclusion of others. This maxim of interpretation is of the provision that where the law explicitly mentions a thing or entity, such law ...