The cardinal rule of construction is to ascertain the intention of the parties. If that intention is clear and it contravenes no rule of law and sufficient words are used to arrive at the intention, it shall be enforced irrespective of all technical or arbitrary rules of construction.
History. Orig. Code 1863, § 2719; Code 1868, § 2713; Code 1873, § 2755; Code 1882, § 2755; Civil Code 1895, § 3673; Civil Code 1910, § 4266; Code 1933, § 20-702.
Law reviews.
For article, “Limitations on the Meaning and Impact of DeGarmo v. DeGarmo,” see 4 Ga. St. B.J. 20 (1998).
For comment advocating liberal construction of indefinite employment contract, in light of Gray v. Aiken, 205 Ga. 649 , 54 S.E.2d 587 (1949), see 1 Mercer L. Rev. 304 (1950).
For comment on Rose City Foods, Inc. v. Bank of Thomas County, 207 Ga. 477 , 62 S.E.2d 145 (1950), see 13 Ga. B.J. 471 (1951).