Construction

(A) Shall, may, and should “Shall” is mandatory. “May” is permissive. “Should” is suggested or recommended. (B) And If the sense requires it, “and” may be read “or” and “or” may be read “and.” (C) Common and technical use of words and phrases Words and phrases shall be read in context and construed according to the rules of grammar and common usage. Words and phrases that have acquired a technical or particular meaning, whether by definition by rule or otherwise, shall be construed accordingly. (D) Singular and plural The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular. (E) Gender Words of one gender include the other genders. (F) Tense Words in the present tense include the future. (G) Rule presumed prospective A rule shall be presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made retrospective. (H) Specific rule prevails over general If a general rule conflicts with a specific rule, it shall be construed, if possible, so that effect is given to both. If the conflict between the rules is irreconcilable, the specific rule prevails as an exception to the general rule, unless the general rule is the later adoption and the manifest intent is that the general rule prevails. Effective Date: January 1, 2013 Amended: April 1, 2025 11 SECTION 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTORNEYS PRACTICING BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT.