Which rule is a canon that means that a broad term following a list of specific items should be interpreted to include only items of the same kind as the listed items?

• A. Noscitur a sociis
• B. Expressio unius est exclusio alterius
• C. Ejisdem generis
• D. Stare decisis

Answer: (C)

Ejusdem generis is the rule that when a list of specific items is followed by a broad term, the broad term is read as including only things of the same kind as those listed. This narrows the scope of the general word to items of the same class, preventing it from sweeping in unrelated things. For example, if a statute refers to “cars, trucks, and other vehicles,” the term “other vehicles” is understood to mean vehicles of the same kind as cars and trucks—typically road vehicles—unless the context indicates a broader meaning.

Other rules operate differently: noscitur a sociis looks to the surrounding words to interpret a term; expressio unius est exclusio alterius points to exclusion implied by listing; stare decisis concerns following precedent. The described canon specifically captures the idea of limiting a broad term to items of the same kind as the listed ones.