Although there is no simple set of written laws or rules on how terms may be construed and interpreted (much depends on the facts of each case), some general principles and rules of contract interpretation have been created by case law.
The following five principles set out by Lord Hoffman in Investors Compensation Scheme v West Bromwich Building Society (1998) have become the leading statements on the interpretation of contracts:
- It is an objective test as to what a reasonable person, having all the background knowledge reasonably available, would have understood the contract to mean at the time of contracting:
- Account can be taken of background knowledge and matrix of fact, where such is relevant;
- Previous negotiations and subjective intent are excluded (with a few exceptions—eg rectification cases);
- The meaning of words used is to be considered in the specific context of the contract as a whole, understood against the factual background;
- A common sense approach that the language used is to have its natural and ordinary meaning should be adopted.
In working out the objective meaning of a contractual provision, the courts will look to both the wording of a provision as well as the commercial context in which it was drafted. The court will consider:
- The natural and ordinary meaning of the provision.
- Any other relevant provisions of the contract.
- The overall purpose of the provision and of the contract.
- The facts and circumstances known or assumed by the parties at the time the contract was signed.
- Commercial common sense.
The extent to which each is used will vary according to the circumstances.
The English courts sometime use certain "rules of thumb" when trying to be fair to the parties. But, these are just pointers and the courts will only apply them if a meaning cannot be found using the general rules of interpretation outlined above.
- The court will be reluctant to adopt a meaning that gives an unfair result in the absence of clear drafting.
- Usually the court will resolve any uncertainty or doubt surrounding a provision against the party who would benefit from the suggested interpretation. This is the so-called "contra proferentem" rule whereby the clause is interpreted against the party seeking to rely on it. It applies in particular to the party seeking to take the benefit of an exclusion or limitation of liability. However, recent cases indicate that the rule has a very limited role in relation to commercial contracts negotiated between sophisticated parties of equal bargaining strength.
- Where the preceding words are each part of a common genus or category, subsequent words will be interpreted "ejusdem generis", i.e. read as being part of that same class, in the absence of a contrary indication. So, for example, the words "or other natural disaster" in a provision refering to "fire, flood, storm, tempest" means other similar disasters.
Legal Notice:
Publisher: Atkins-Shield Ltd: Company No. 11638521
Registered Office: 71-75, Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ
Note: This publication does not necessarily deal with every important topic nor cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not designed to provide legal or other advice. The information contained in this document is intended to be for informational purposes and general interest only.
E&OE
Atkins-Shield Ltd © 2023