Ejusdem Generis

Definition of Ejusdem Generis

Of the same kind, class, or nature. In the construction of laws, wills, and other instruments, the “ejusdem generis rule” is, that where general words follow an enumeration of persons or things, by words of a particular and specific meaning, such general words are not to be construed in their widest extent but are to be held as applying only to persons or things of the same general kind or class as those specifically mentioned. U. S. v. LaBrecque, D.C.N.J., 419 F.Supp. 430, 432; Aleksich v. Industrial Accident Fund, 116 Mont. 127, 151 P.2d 1016, 1021. The rule, however, does not necessarily require that the general provision be limited in its scope to the identical things specifically named. Nor does it apply when the context manifests a contrary intention.

Under “ejusdem generis” canon of statutory construction, where general words follow the enumeration of particular classes of things, the general words will be construed as applying only to things of the same general class as those enumerated. Campbell v. Board of Dental Examiners, 53 Cal.App.3d 283, 125 Cal.Rptr. 694, 696.

That's the definition of Ejusdem Generis in Black's Law Dictionary 6th Edition. Courtesy of Cekhukum.com.

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