Maxim 1.5.122
A later Act takes away the effect of an earlier one.
Lex posterior derogat priori.
Source: Mackeld. Civ. L. 5.; Jackson
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Where two statutes conflict, the later enactment prevails — the legislature is presumed to have known the earlier law and intended to supersede it.
Where this applies
- A new statute is passed that contradicts an older law on the same subject.
- A legislative update supersedes prior legislation.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.122 — A later Act takes away the effect of an earlier one. — Mackeld. Civ. L. 5.; Jackson (Lex posterior derogat priori.)
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