Mount Carmel — Ch. 8½ Discrimination § 8½-14
Construction of terms
Operative Text
In construing the intended meaning of terminology used in this article, the following rules shall be observed: (a) Words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in section 8 ½-15 unless the context clearly indicates otherwise; terms not defined in section 8 ½-15 shall have their standard English dictionary meanings. (b) Words denoting the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and neuter genders. (c) Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense. (d) Words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and the plural the singular. (e) The term "shall" is mandatory; the term "may" is discretionary. (f) The term "this municipality" shall mean the City of Mount Carmel, Illinois. (g) All time periods expressed in days shall be construed as calendar days, not working days. (h) Captions (i.e., titles of sections, subsections, etc.) are intended merely to facilitate general reference, and in no way limit the substantive application of the provisions set forth thereunder. (i) References to sections shall be deemed to include all subsections within that section; but a reference to a particular subsection designates only that subsection. (j) A general term that follows or is followed by enumerations of specific terms shall not be limited to the enumerated class unless expressly limited.
Mount Carmel Ch. 8½ Discrimination § 8½-14 establishes the interpretive rules that govern how language throughout the anti-discrimination article is to be read. Defined terms carry the meanings set out in § 8½-15, while undefined terms follow standard dictionary usage. Structural conventions—such as gender-neutral reading, singular/plural interchangeability, calendar-day counting, and the mandatory force of 'shall'—apply throughout the article to ensure consistent interpretation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Mount Carmel should be aware that under § 8½-14, the word 'shall' in any part of Ch. 8½ imposes a mandatory obligation, not a suggestion. All deadlines stated in days count as calendar days, and defined terms carry the specific meanings found in § 8½-15. Operators who review the article with these interpretive rules in mind are better positioned to understand the full scope of their obligations under the anti-discrimination provisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8½-14 of Mount Carmel's Ch. 8½ sets the ground rules for how the anti-discrimination article is interpreted, which can matter when evaluating whether a violation has occurred. For example, because 'shall' is mandatory under this provision, any obligation stated with that word carries binding force—not merely advisory weight. Tenants who believe a provision of Ch. 8½ has been violated may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or local legal aid resource to understand how these interpretive rules apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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