1-4-104. Preference to construction favoring natural right. When an instrument is equally susceptible of two interpretations, one in favor of natural right and the other against it, the former is to be adopted.
History: En. Sec. 620, p. 200, L. 1877; re-en. Sec. 620, 1st Div. Rev. Stat. 1879; re-en. Sec. 638, 1st Div. Comp. Stat. 1887; re-en. Sec. 3142, C. Civ. Proc. 1895; re-en. Sec. 7883, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 10527, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. C. Civ. Proc. Sec. 1866; re-en. Sec. 10527, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 93-401-23(part).
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 1. General Laws and Definitions
Chapter 4. Interpretation of Instruments
1-4-101. Role of the judge -- preference to construction giving each provision meaning
1-4-102. Consideration of circumstances surrounding execution
1-4-103. Intention of the parties -- particular and general provisions
1-4-104. Preference to construction favoring natural right
1-4-105. Written words versus words in printed form
1-4-106. Interpretation of language according to usage in place of execution
1-4-107. Construction of terms
1-4-108. Construction of the terms of a notice