§ 1-1-4-1 — Rules

Indiana § 1-1-4-1

• Jurisdiction: Indiana
• Title 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
• Art. 1: LAWS GOVERNING THE STATE
• Ch. 4: Construction of Statutes

Text

The construction of all statutes of this state shall
be by the following rules, unless the construction is plainly repugnant
to the intent of the legislature or of the context of the statute:
(1) Words and phrases shall be taken in their plain, or ordinary
and usual, sense. Technical words and phrases having a peculiar
and appropriate meaning in law shall be understood according to
their technical import.
(2) Words importing joint authority to three (3) or more persons
shall be construed as authority to a majority of the persons, unless
otherwise declared in the statute giving authority.
(3) Words importing the singular number only may be also
applied to the plural of persons and things.
(4) Words importing the masculine gender only may be extended
to females also.
(5) When a statute requires an act to be done which, by law, an
agent or deputy as well may do as the principal, the requisition is
satisfied by the performance of the act by an authorized agent or
deputy.
(6) When a person is required to be disinterested or indifferent in
acting on any question or matter affecting other parties,
consanguinity or affinity within the sixth degree, inclusive, by the
civil law rules, or within the degree of second cousin, inclusive,
disqualifies the person from acting, except by consent of parties.
Formerly: Acts 1852, 2 RS PART II, c.17, s.1. As amended by
Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.102; Acts 1982, P.L.1, SEC.1; P.L.1-1988,
SEC.4; P.L.1-1990, SEC.2; P.L.1-1991, SEC.3.