5 A. The comma (,)

1. Separates items in a list — including the serial comma before and/or: "The licence covers printing, publishing, and distribution." Use the serial comma in drafting: it prevents the "printing and publishing-distribution" misreading. 2. Marks off non-restrictive (extra) information: "The lessee, who is a minor, must…" (there is only one lessee; the clause merely adds) vs restrictive no-comma: "A lessee who is a minor must…" (only lessees who are minors). This comma can change who the rule covers — a classic exam item. 3. After introductory phrases: "On 12 Magh, the parties signed the deed." 4. Around connectors: "…the debt is time-barred; however, section 6 revives it." (comma after however) 5. Never join two independent sentences with only a comma (comma splice): ~~"The court heard arguments, it reserved judgment."~~ → use a semicolon, full stop, or and. - Famous case: Rogers Communications Inc. v. Bell Aliant (Canada, 2006): one comma in a telephone- pole contract's termination clause was read against the drafter — changing it cost about CAD 2.13 million. Punctuation is liability.