Construction. Cf. Former laws; Original jurisdiction; Original intent;
Practice. It is defined by Mr. Powell to be “the drawing in inference by the act of reason, as to the intent of an instrument, from given circumstances, upon principles deduced from men’s general motives, conduct and action.” This definition may, perhaps, not be sufficiently complete, inasmuch as the term instrument generally implies something reduced into writing whereas construction is equally necessary to ascertain the meaning of engagements merely verbal. In other respects it appears to be perfectly accurate. Continue reading “Rules of Construction”