Ejusdem Generis

Ejusdem Generis is a legal principle used in statutory interpretation, which holds that when general words follow specific words in a statutory list, the general words are construed to include only items of the same type as the specific words. It aims to limit the scope of the general terms to those that share characteristics with the enumerated items.

The principle has its roots in common law and has been utilized for centuries in legal interpretation to reconcile ambiguities in legislative language. It is often attributed to the need for clarity in understanding statutes crafted by legislative bodies.

In modern law, Ejusdem Generis is employed by courts during the interpretation of statutes and legal documents to avoid overly broad interpretations that could lead to unintended consequences. This principle serves to preserve legislative intent by ensuring that general descriptors are confined to similar specific instances outlined in the text.

• If a law mentions 'cars, trucks, and other vehicles,' under the principle of Ejusdem Generis, 'other vehicles' would be interpreted to include only those kinds of vehicles that are similar to cars and trucks, such as motorcycles, but not airplanes or boats.
• In an employment statute that references 'salaries, wages, commissions, and other compensation,' the term 'other compensation' would likely be interpreted as including forms of payment similar to salaries and wages, but not benefits such as health insurance.

• Cannon v. University of Chicago, 441 U.S. 677 (1979)