Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.130

The greater contains the less.

Majus continet minus.

Source: Jenk. Cent. 208; Jackson Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A grant of a greater power necessarily includes all lesser powers within it — one who has authority to do the whole may do any part.

Where this applies

  • Someone who has the power to do a major thing is told they cannot do a minor component of it.
  • An authority granted the larger power necessarily includes the smaller power.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.130 — The greater contains the less. — Jenk. Cent. 208; Jackson (Majus continet minus.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →