term:

Last Antecedent Rule

last antecedent rule n

: a doctrine in the interpretation of statutes: qualifying words or phrases refer only to the last antecedent word or phrase unless the context or entire act clearly requires otherwise called also last antecedent doctrine

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.