Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
  • Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition

    In statutory construction, an "absurdity" is not only that which is physically impossible, but also that which is morally so; and that is to be regarded as morally impossible which is contrary to reason, se that it could not be imputed to a man in his right senses. State v. Hayes, 81 Mo. 574, 585. Anything which is so irrational, unnatural, or inconvenient that it cannot be supposed to have been within the intention of men of ordinary intelligence and discretion. Black, Interp. Laws, 104.