rule of the last antecedent
rule of the last antecedent. An interpretative principle by which a court determines that qualifying words or phrases modify the words or phrases immediately preceding them and not words or phrases more remote, unless the extension is necessary from the context or the spirit of the entire writing. • For example, an application of this rule might mean that, in the phrase Texas courts, New Mexico courts, and New York courts in the federal system, the words in the federal system might be held to modify only New York courts and not Texas courts or New Mexico courts. — Also termed doctrine of the last antecedent; doctrine of the last preceding antecedent. [Cases: Statutes 196. C.J.S. Statutes §§ 331, 333.]
