Which legal doctrine applies when considering terms in a statute that govern policy decisions?

The legal doctrine "ejusdem generis" applies to the interpretation of statutes, particularly when it comes to the context of policy decisions. This Latin term translates to "of the same kind" and is used in statutory interpretation to indicate that when a general term follows specific terms in a statutory list, the general term should be understood in light of the specific terms that precede it.

For example, if a statute lists specific categories of things, such as "cats, dogs, and other animals," the phrase "other animals" would be interpreted to refer to animals similar in nature to cats and dogs, rather than including objects or entities that are fundamentally different. This doctrine helps to limit the scope of general terms to ensure their application aligns with the intent of the drafters, which is crucial in statutory contexts where policy implications are significant.

The other options provided do not apply in the same way. Substantive law deals with the rights and duties of individuals, exclusion clauses pertain to contractual contexts regarding liability limitations, and specific intent relates to the mental state necessary for certain legal decisions or crimes. Understanding ejusdem generis aids in clarifying legislative language, particularly when crafting or interpreting policy-related provisions in law.