The plain meaning rule says to give effect to text if it has a plain meaning. If text is ambiguous – whether in meaning or in breadth, an ordinary meaning at the time of enactment can be used, supplied by a dictionary. Because of the serious consequences the charge, including long-term imprisonment and overextension of federal power, and the incredibly broad reach of the definition, the court will likely allow evidence of legislative history and ordinary meaning to find a more narrow interpretation of chemical weapon. The court may use the ordinary meaning especially when trying to find the reach of such a broad definition. The court may find a reasonable, ordinary meaning would not describe Dann’s crime as involving a chemical weapon. Dann
