CANON

canon (kan-<<schwa>>n), n.1. A rule or principle, esp. one accepted as fundamental.

canon of construction.A rule used in construing legal instruments, esp. contracts and statutes. • Although a few states have codified the canons of construction — examples of which are contra proferentem and ejusdem generis — most jurisdictions treat the canons as mere customs not having the force of law. — Often shortened to canon. — Also termed rule of construction; rule of interpretation. [Cases: Contracts  143; Statutes  174. C.J.S. Contracts § 302; Statutes § 306.]

“A frequent criticism of the canons [of construction], made forcefully by Professor Llewellyn many years ago, is that for every canon one might bring to bear on a point there is an equal and opposite canon. This is an exagge-ration; but what is true is that there is a canon to support every possible result.” Richard A. Posner, The Federal Courts: Crisis and Reform 276 (1985).

canon of descent.(usu. pl.) A common-law rule governing intestate succession. • In England, canons of descent tended to concentrate landholdings in the hands of a few people, an approach generally rejected in the United States. — Also termed canon of inheritance. [Cases: Descent and Distribution  1–19. C.J.S. Conflict of Laws §§ 71, 84; Descent and Distribution §§ 1–22; Right of Privacy and Publicity § 42.]

“The common-law canons of descent tended to prevent the diffusion of landed property, and to promote its accumulation in the hands of a few. The principles sprang from the martial genius of the feudal system. In the United States the English common law of descents, in its essential features, has been rejected; each State has established a law for itself.” William C. Anderson, A Dictionary of Law 349 (1889).

2. (usu. cap.) A maxim stating in general terms the standards of professional conduct expected of lawyers. • The Model Code of Judicial Conduct (1990) contains five canons and hundreds of specific rules. [Cases: Attorney and Client  32(2). C.J.S. Attorney and Client § 44.] 3.

A rule of ecclesiastical law. 4. A corpus of writings. 5. A clergy member on the staff of a cathedral.

honorary canon.A canon who serves without pay or other benefits.

6. A fixed regular payment or tribute made as a contribution payable to the church. [Blacks Law 8th]