Generalia specialibus non derogant

“Generalia specialibus non derogant” is a Latin legal maxim that means “The general does not detract from the specific.” This principle is often used in legal interpretation to clarify that when there is a conflict between a general law or rule and a specific law or rule that addresses a particular situation, the specific law takes precedence or prevails over the general one.

This means that when there is a specific law or rule that applies to a particular situation, it should be given greater weight and applied, even if it seems to contradict broader, more general laws or principles. This is important because it ensures that specific and detailed regulations are not overridden by more general ones. By following this principle, the law can be applied more fairly and justly to individual cases, rather than relying solely on broad generalizations.