Generalia specialibus non derogant meaning

Generalia specialibus non derogant describes the approach used when interpreting legislation and legal instruments: where general words overlap with a specific, detailed rule, the specific governs within its subject-matter. Also expressed as the lex specialis principle, it is recognised in case law (not by statute) and applied consistently in England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. In practice it guides statutory interpretation to reconcile provisions within an Act, between Acts, and between primary and subordinate legislation, and it is often applied to contracts, deeds and regulations. It guards against implied repeal: a later general enactment will not displace an earlier, particularised scheme unless clear words or necessary implication show that intention. Courts prefer harmonious construction, giving both provisions effect where possible, with the specific carving out an exception to the general. Limits: the maxim yields to express contrary intention and to context; a later special enactment can override an earlier general one, while a later general enactment can override an earlier specific one only if Parliament or the Oireachtas clearly says so.