Things universal are better known than things particular.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) General principles of law are more universally understood than the particular rules derived from them — begin any argument from the broad maxim before descending to the specific application.

Where this applies

• A professor begins a lecture on contract law with the universal principle that agreements require mutual assent before diving into the particular rules governing offer and acceptance.
• An appellate brief opens by stating the broad constitutional principle of due process before applying its specific requirements to the facts of the case.
• A judge instructs the jury on the general principle that every person is presumed innocent before explaining the particular burden of proof the prosecution must meet.