Code of Maine Rules › 01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY › 017 - MAINE STATE HARNESS RACING COMMISSION › Chapter 1 - ADMINISTRATION › Section 017-1-2 - Rules of Construction

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The following rules of construction shall be observed in the
				  interpretation of these rules, unless such interpretation is inconsistent with
				  the plain meaning of the rule.
1.
Acts by agents
. When an act that may be lawfully done by an agent
				is done by one authorized to do it, the agent's principal may be regarded as
				having done it.
2.
And;
				or
. The words and and or are convertible as the sense of a rule may
				require.
3.
Conflict with
				laws
. A rule in conflict with the
Maine Revised
				Statutes
is invalid to the extent of that conflict.
4.
Dates
. Wherever in the rules
				a reference is made to several dates and the dates given in the reference are
				connected by the word to, the reference includes both the dates which are given
				and all intervening dates.
5.
Rules of a Similar Nature
. In the interpretation or construction
				of any rule, other harness racing rules of a similar nature may be used to
				assist in that interpretation or construction.
6.
Situations not addressed by a
				Rule.
In any instance where a situation is not covered by the MHRC
				rules, the Commission will refer to the most recent edition of the United
				States Trotting Association Rules for guidance on the matter.
7.
Gender
. In the interpretation
				of these rules, gender-neutral construction shall be applied when it is clear
				that the rule is not exclusively applicable to members of one sex.
8.
Severability
. The provisions
				of the rules are severable. If any provision of the rules is invalid or if the
				application of the rules to any person or circumstance is invalid, that
				invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications which can be given
				effect without the invalid provision or application.
9.
Singular and plural
. Words of
				the singular number may include the plural; and words of the plural number may
				include the singular.
10.
Shall; must, may
. Shall and must are terms of equal weight that
				indicate a mandatory duty, action or requirement. May indicates authorization
				or permission to act.
11.
Statutory references
. Wherever in the rules the word chapter or
				subchapter appears without definite reference, it refers to the chapter or
				subchapter in which the word chapter or subchapter appears. Wherever in the
				rules a numbered section appears without reference to a numbered chapter, it
				refers to the section of the chapter in which the numbered section appears.
Wherever in the rules a reference is made to several
				  sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, divisions, subdivisions or
				  sentences, the section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, division,
				  subdivision or sentence numbers given in the reference are connected by the
				  word to, the reference includes both the sections, subsections, paragraphs,
				  subparagraphs, divisions, subdivisions or sentences whose numbers are given and
				  all intervening sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, divisions,
				  subdivisions and sentences.
12.
Words and phrases
. Words and
				phrases shall be construed according to the common meaning of the language.
				Technical words and phrases and such as have a peculiar meaning convey such
				technical or peculiar meaning.