Interpretative Canonons

Whole-Text Canon

The text must be construed as a whole.

Presumption of Consistent Usage

A word or phrase is presumed to bear the same meaning throughout a text; a material variation in terms suggests a variation in meaning.

Ordinary-Meaning Canon

Words are to be understood in their ordinary, everyday meanings—unless the context indicates that they bear a technical sense.

Fixed-Meaning Canon

Words must be given the meaning they had when the text was adopted.

Negative-Implication Canon

The expression of one thing implies the exclusion of others

General/Specific Canon

If there is a conflict between a general provision and a specific provision, the specific provision prevails

Mandatory/Permissive Canon

Mandatory words impose a duty; permissive words grant discretion.

Conjunctive/Disjunctive Canon

And joins a conjunctive list, or a disjunctive list—but with negatives, plurals, and various specific wordings there are nuances.

Subordinating/Superordinating Canon

Subordinating language (signaled by subject to) or superordinating language (signaled by notwithstanding or despite) merely shows which provision prevails in the event of a clash.

Presumption of Nonexclusive “Include”

The verb 'to include' introduces examples, not an exhaustive list.

Grammar Canon

Words are to be given the meaning that proper grammar and usage would assign them.