# Rule of Ejusdem Generis

## Meaning

The term 'Ejusdem Generis' means 'of the same class or species'.
The rule states: General words following specific words must be construed with reference to the specific words preceding them.
This prevents general words from being given the widest possible meaning when they follow a list of specific items.

## Conditions for Applicability

ALL the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. Enumeration — There must be an enumeration of certain specific words.

2. Class/Category — The specific words must constitute a class or category.

3. Same kind/nature — The specific words must be of the same kind or nature.

4. Not exhausted — The specific words must NOT exhaust the whole category.

## Application

If any of the four conditions fail, the rule does not apply, and the general words will be given their natural and ordinary meaning.

Worked example

### Example 1

Statute uses 'such as oxen, bulls, goat, cows, buffaloes, sheep, horses, etc.' — The word 'etc.' is interpreted using ejusdem generis:

❌ Cannot include wild animals (lions, tigers) — different class.
❌ Does NOT cover all domestic animals.
✅ Includes other four-legged domestic animals like dogs and cats (same class — four-legged domestic animals).
❌ Excludes cock or hen — they are not four-legged.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

Applying ejusdem generis when the specific words do NOT form a distinct class — the rule then does not operate.
Applying the rule when the specific words exhaust the whole category — there's nothing left for the general words to add.
Forgetting that general words MUST follow specific words — the rule does not apply if general words come first.
Stretching the 'class' too widely (e.g., calling all animals 'one class' instead of distinguishing domestic four-legged animals).

Reference:

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