Understanding the Meaning and Scope of 'Reasonable' in Law

2022 0 Supreme(AP) 547

He contends that if the word is given a mandatory meaning the purpose of issuing of notice and a reasonable opportunity of being heard is defeated. For this he relies upon C. Bright v. District Collector and Others, (2021) 2 SCC 392 and other judgments. ... The exact colour and shape of the meaning of any word or expression should not be ascertained by reading it in isolation, but it should be read structurally and in its context, for its meaning may vary with its contractual setting. ....

2024 Supreme(US)(ca9) 186

First, the term “large capacity magazine” is ambiguous within the meaning of Kisor because of the relative nature of the word “large.” In Entergy Corp. v. ... The panel held that Application Note 2’s definition of “large capacity magazine” warrants deference under Kisor because (1) the term “large capacity magazine” is ambiguous within the meaning of Kisor because of the relative nature of the word large; (2) Application Note 2 is a reasonable interpretation ... Accordingly, because “large capacity maga....

2024 Supreme(US)(ca9) 182

First, the term “large capacity magazine” is ambiguous within the meaning of Kisor because of the relative nature of the word “large.” In Entergy Corp. v. ... The panel held that Application Note 2’s definition of “large capacity magazine” warrants deference under Kisor because (1) the term “large capacity magazine” is ambiguous within the meaning of Kisor because of the relative nature of the word large; (2) Application Note 2 is a reasonable interpretation ... Accordingly, because “large capacity maga....

2025 0 Supreme(Bom) 1720

(vi) That the meaning to be attached to the word ‘deemed’ must depend upon the context in which it is used, and it is well settled that the interpretation of a statute depends on text and context. ... Explanation added to a statutory provision is not a substantive provision in any sense of the term but as the plain meaning of the word itself shows it is merely meant to explain or clarify certain ambiguities which may have crept in the statutory provision.” ... (b) It does not ordinarily enlarge the scope#HL_E....

But the more important question is-what is the proper meaning to attach to the word " reasonably " ? ... The question is what is implicit in the word itself. ...   I turn, then, to consider the meaning of the words " reasonably required " in section 8 (c) of our Ordinance. ... of the premises is reasonable is not enough, and that it is the Court which has to decide whether the requirement is reasonable ; but these words still leave open the question whether " reasonabl....

High Court Malaya Shah Alam

The word has several dictionary meanings, which, according to counsel for the Defendant, include "kelakar." It was not obvious which dictionary meaning was intended. The Plaintiff equates "makar" with "tipu daya", which is generally understood as deceit, trickery or fraud. ... [24] The law states that neither what the Defendant meant to say nor what the Plaintiff subjectively understood by the word "makar" is relevant. The question this Court must ask is what the ordinary reasonable person would understand by it. ... ....

2025 Supreme(US)(ca11) 81

adults but not for reasonable [older] minors.” ... Although courts try to read text so that each word carries independent meaning, “our preference for avoiding surplusage constructions is not abso- lute.” Lamie v. U.S. Trustee, 540 U.S. 526, 536, 124 S. ... This principle “avoids ascribing to one word a meaning so broad that it is inconsistent with the company it keeps.” Fischer v. United States, 603 U.S. 480, 487, 144 S. Ct. 2176, 2183–84 (2024) (in- ....

2024 Supreme(US)(ca11) 253

The court noted that the policy did not define the word “landscaping,” and it concluded that the “common, everyday meaning of the word” did not include trampoline installation “even [under] the definitions submitted by Snell” in his briefing. ... Because the policy didn’t define the term “landscaping,” the court said, the coverage determination turned on whether Snell’s trampoline-related work fit the “common, everyday meaning of the word.” Id. at ....

2024 Supreme(US)(ca11) 72

One thing that makes the interpretive issue in this case in- teresting—and perhaps a little bit harder than usual—is that it turns on the meaning not of a single word, but rather of a composite, multi-word phrase: “physically restrained.” ... And it seems reasonable to as- sume, as well, that the settings are similar for those who plug into the models directly. ... Section 2B3.1(b)(4)(B) qualifies the word “restrained” with “physically.” ... But most respe....

2024 Supreme(US)(ca3) 4

True, the word “large” is relational and thus meaningless without reference to a “smaller” comparator. ... When the Sentencing Commission elucidates the meaning of an ambiguous Guidelines term in a reasonable manner, we cannot disregard its input simply because we would have interpreted the provision differently. Because the Commission did so here, we will affirm. ... Reasonableness In siding with those circuits that used an elements test, the Commission in Note 14(B) took a reasonable position. ... Fi....

2020 0 Supreme(Mad) 417

The law must strike a balance between the right guaranteed and the social control which is sought to be introduced in the guise of reasonable restriction. As to what is reasonable restriction has to be understood from the meaning of the word ‘reasonable’ which implies intent, care and deliberation dictated by reason. A law which arbitrarily or excessively invades the right of a person may not be said to contain the quality of reasonableness.

2006 0 Supreme(Mad) 1507

An attempt to give a specific meaning to the word "reasonable" is trying to count what is not a number and measure what is not space. It means prima facie in law reasonable in regard to those circumstances of which the actor, called upon to act reasonably, knows or ought to know. It is impossible a priori to state what is reasonable as such in all cases. But mankind must be satisfied with the reasonableness within reach; and in cases not covered by authority, the decision of the Judge usually determines what is "reasonable" in each particular case; but frequently reasonable....

1993 0 Supreme(Gau) 4

Coburn, 57 NW 836, 38 Neb. 881, quoted in Volume 36 of Permanent Edition of "Words and Phrases": "An attempt to give a specific meaning to the word 'reasonable' is trying to count what is nor number, and measure what is not space."

1992 0 Supreme(Raj) 897

The Parliament has not chosen to amend or modify the scope of the phrase "reasonable opportunity of being heard" as used in the first part of Article 311(2). The report of the inquiry officer constitutes an important material on which the ultimate findings of the disciplinary authority rest. The inquiry officer inquires into the charges and records evidence. What meaning should be ascribed to the term "reasonable opportunity of being heard" and what is the extent and scope of it is the moot question ?

1992 0 Supreme(Raj) 880

The inquiry officer inquires into the charges, records the evidence and the charging officer is permitted to produce witnesses, cross-examine the witnesses and challenge the evidence during inquiry, but the inquiry does not conclude at that stage. The report of the inquiry officer constitutes a very important material, on which the ultimate findings of the disciplinary authority rests. So far as Article 311 (2) of the Constitution of India is concerned, even after amendment, it guarantees a reasonable opportunity to the delinquent employee to show cause against the charges levelled against h....