What is first is truer; and what is first in time is better in law.

Explanation

Priority in time confers priority in right; the first in time has the superior claim, and later interests must yield to earlier ones.

Where this applies

• I filed my claim first so I have priority over the later claimant.
• First in time means first in right — my earlier claim should prevail.
• The earlier interest takes priority over the later one.

See also

• 12.5.4 Every worthier thing draws to it the less worthy, though the latter be more ancient.
• 12.9.1 Time is the devourer of things; for time is a means of destroying obligations and actions, because time runs against the slothful and those who neglect their own rights.