What does the plain meaning rule entail in statutory interpretation?

The plain meaning rule is a principle in statutory interpretation that emphasizes understanding the words used in a statute based on their ordinary, everyday meanings. Judges apply this rule to ensure that the text of the law is interpreted as it would be understood by a reasonable person within society. This approach minimizes ambiguity and allows for a clearer application of the law, as it prioritizes the actual language of the statute over subjective interpretations or inferred meanings.

By focusing on the common understanding of terms, the plain meaning rule helps provide consistency and predictability in legal interpretation, ensuring that the law is applied uniformly. It serves as a foundational principle in legal interpretation and is particularly useful when the language of the statute is clear and unambiguous, allowing judges to avoid delving into legislative history or intent unless the language itself necessitates further exploration.