Things general do not derogate from things special.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A general statute or provision does not override or repeal a special one on the same subject — the specific controls within its own domain regardless of the general rule.

Where this applies

• A state has a general business licensing law, and later passes a specific statute governing barbershop licenses with different requirements — the specific barbershop statute controls for barbershops, and the general law doesn't override it.
• A general traffic law sets speed limits statewide, but a specific school-zone statute sets a lower limit near schools — the school-zone law governs in its own domain despite the broader general rule.
• A general tax code imposes a flat rate on all sales, but a specific agricultural exemption statute removes that tax from farm equipment — the specific exemption holds against the general rule.