Last antecedent rule

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-002928",
  "term": "Last antecedent rule",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A principle of statutory construction stating that a modifying clause or phrase refers only to the immediately preceding word or phrase, not to other remote words. This rule is applied to clarify the meaning of ambiguous language in statutes, contracts, and other legal documents. The rule is a canon of construction, not an absolute command, and can be overcome by contrary legislative intent.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/last-antecedent-rule/"
}