E

Ejusdem generis (pronounced "eh-YOOS-dem JEN-er-is") is a Latin phrase meaning "of the same kind" or "of the same genus." It's a principle of legal interpretation used when reading statutes or contracts.

How it works: When a law lists specific items followed by a general term, the general term is interpreted to include only things similar to the specific items listed.

Classic example: If a law prohibits "cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles" in a park, the term "other vehicles" would be interpreted to mean motor vehicles similar to those listed—not bicycles, skateboards, or wheelchairs.

Key elements:

1. There must be a list of specific words
2. Followed by a general catch-all phrase
3. The specific words must share common characteristics
4. The general term is limited to things sharing those characteristics

More examples:

• "Dogs, cats, hamsters, and other animals" in a lease = other domestic pets, not livestock
• "Floods, earthquakes, fires, and other disasters" = natural disasters, not economic crashes
• "Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools" = hand tools, not power tools

When it doesn't apply:

• If the specific words don't share a common characteristic
• If the statute explicitly defines the general term broadly
• If applying the rule would defeat the law's obvious purpose

This principle helps courts avoid absurdly broad interpretations while respecting the legislature's intent to cover similar items they might not have specifically listed.