Opinion ID: 2398592
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Strict Construction ( Strictissimi Juris )

Text: The Court of Civil Appeals has held that in owner-contractor situations the scope and extent of the indemnity clause of the contract should be more strictly construed than would be the case if the indemnity clause was one involving a contract for the rental or lease of a building or equipment. Smith contends that the parties did not intend that Ohio would be indemnified for liability arising out of its own negligence, and that the words of Sec. 15 are so broad that it renders the intent of the parties unclear. It is argued that in such cases the doctrine of strictissimi juris is properly applied. Further, if a narrow interpretation is given to Sec. 15 the provision will not hold Smith liable for Ohio's negligence. Ohio contends that the intent of the parties is clear, and that in such instances ordinary rather than strict rules of construction are to be applied. It is asserted that the Court of Civil Appeals has erred in construing this contract in an artificially strict manner against the indemnitee. We agree with Ohio. The doctrine of strictissimi juris is not a rule of construction to be used in the determination of intent in a contract of indemnity. The words of the contract, as reflective of intent, are to be construed by the application of ordinary rules of construction. It is only after the intent has been determined that the doctrine of strictissimi juris is applicable to prevent the liability under the contract from being extended beyond the terms of the agreement. Mitchell's v. Friedman, supra; James Stewart & Co. v. Mobley, supra; See also: Crews Well Service v. Texas Company, Tex.Civ.App. (1962), 358 S.W. 2d 171, wr. ref. n. r. e.; Humble Oil & Refining Company v. Wilson, Tex.Civ.App. (1960), 339 S.W.2d 954, wr. ref., n. r. e. Indemnity agreements between owners and contractor are not more strictly construed than such provisions in other business agreements.