“Expressio unius est exclusio alterius” is a Latin legal maxim that means “the expression of one thing is the exclusion of another.” This principle is used in legal interpretation to suggest that when a law or contract explicitly mentions certain items or details, it intends to exclude all others that are not mentioned.
The maxim is a tool used by legal professionals to understand the scope and limitations of a provision based on the expressed terms. If a statute, contract, or document specifies certain elements, it implies the intentional exclusion of anything not mentioned.
For example, if a contract outlines certain rights or obligations, the principle of expressio unius est exclusio alterius would imply that any rights or obligations not explicitly stated are not part of the agreement.
In conclusion, the maxim helps in determining the intent behind written laws or contracts and is an essential tool used by legal professionals in their daily work.