Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.124

The law rejects superfluous, contradictory, and incongruous things.

Lex rejicit superflua, pugnantia, incongrua.

Source: Jenk. Cent. 133; Jackson; Weisman, 71rr Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Courts will disregard surplusage, resolve contradictions, and reject absurdities in the construction of legal instruments — clarity and consistency are demanded.

Where this applies

  • A contract has contradictory terms and the court must resolve them.
  • A statute has redundant provisions that add nothing to its meaning.

Legal domains

constitutionalsovereignty

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.124 — The law rejects superfluous, contradictory, and incongruous things. — Jenk. Cent. 133; Jackson; Weisman, 71rr (Lex rejicit superflua, pugnantia, incongrua.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →