Opinion ID: 415230
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Contract Interpretation Under Montana Law

Text: 30 Turning to Montana law, we note initially that courts are to give effect to the mutual intent of the parties which existed at the time of contracting, so far as the same is ascertainable and lawful. 19 That intent is to be ascertained from the writing alone if possible. 20 The entire contract is to be looked to in determining intent 21 and [t]he words of a contract are to be understood in their ordinary and popular sense rather than according to their strict legal meaning unless used by the parties in a technical sense .... 22 31 Our task is to look to the entire contract and to give effect to every part if reasonably practicable, each clause helping to interpret the other. 23 We are bound by the contract and may not reconstruct it by outside reference.