Ohio R. Prac. S. Ct. 1.06
"Shall" is mandatory. "May" is permissive. "Should" is suggested or recommended.
If the sense requires it, "and" may be read "or" and "or" may be read "and."
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 defi nition by rule or otherwise, shall be construed accordingly.
The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.
Words of one gender include the other genders.
Words in the present tense include the future.
A rule shall be presumed to be prospective in its operation unless expressly made retrospective.
If a general rule confl icts 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.
Ohio. R. Prac. S. Ct. 1.06