## Rule of Ejusdem Generis

Ejusdem generis is Latin for 'of the same kind'. The rule restricts the meaning of general words that follow a list of specific words, confining them to the same class as the specific words.

### Core Principle

> If specific words of a class, category, or genus are followed by general words, the general words shall be construed as limited to things of the same kind as the specific words.

### Five Conditions for Application

The rule applies ONLY when ALL of the following are satisfied:

#	Condition
1	The statute enumerates (mentions) specific words.
2	The subject of the enumeration constitutes a class or category.
3	The class is NOT exhausted by the enumeration.
4	General terms FOLLOW the enumeration.
5	There is no indication of a different legislative intent.

### Four Exceptions — When the Rule Does NOT Apply

#	Exception
1	If the preceding term is general (not specific).
2	If the specific objects enumerated are diverse in character (no common class).
3	If the particular words exhaust the whole genus.
4	If there is an express intention of the legislature that the general term shall NOT be read ejusdem generis with the specific terms.

### Mechanics of the Rule

```

Specific Specific Specific Specific [GENERAL]

A B C D word

└──── identify common class ────┘ │ │

▼ │ │

'class of X' └──restricts──┘

to things of class X

```

### Distinction from Doctrine of Noscitur a Sociis

The doctrine of noscitur a sociis is wider than ejusdem generis. In fact, ejusdem generis is treated as a specific application of noscitur a sociis (since the latter applies whenever words are coupled together, while the former requires a list followed by general words).

Worked example

### Example 1

Example 1 — Rule applied:

A statute says 'no shopkeeper shall sell tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, or any other goods.' The general phrase 'any other goods' is not read literally to cover groceries or stationery — it is restricted to goods of the same class (tobacco-related products) by ejusdem generis.

### Example 2

Example 2 — Exception (diverse items):

A statute lists 'houses, offices, rooms or other places.' If 'houses, offices, rooms' do not form a single common genus (some are buildings, some are subdivisions), the rule fails and 'other places' takes its ordinary wide meaning.

### Example 3

Example 3 — Exception (class exhausted):

If the statute reads 'gold, silver, platinum, or any other precious metal,' and gold, silver, platinum are taken to exhaust the genus of widely-used precious metals, the general term may not be restricted further.

### Example 4

Example 4 — Exception (general term first):

'No vehicles or cars, scooters, or trucks shall enter.' Here 'vehicles' is the general term and comes FIRST — ejusdem generis cannot operate because the rule needs specifics first, then a general.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

Applying ejusdem generis even when only ONE specific word precedes the general term — the rule needs a list (genus must be identifiable).
Applying it when the specific items have no common class — the items must form a genus.
Ignoring legislative intent — if the Act expressly indicates the general words are NOT restricted, the rule yields.
Confusing it with noscitur a sociis — noscitur is broader; ejusdem generis is a specific sub-application.
Failing to check 'class not exhausted' — if the specifics cover the entire genus, no room remains for the general term to operate as ejusdem generis.

Reference:

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