When two rules conflict and one is more specific, which prevails?

When two rules conflict and one is more specific, which prevails?

• A. The general provision prevails.
• B. The special or local provision prevails as an exception to the general provision.
• C. The most recent rule prevails.
• D. The oldest rule prevails.

Answer: (B)

Specific provisions take precedence over general ones when they address the same issue. A special or local rule is crafted to fit a particular situation or locality, so it acts as an exception to the broader general rule. Using the specific rule ensures the rule’s intent is respected in that context and avoids applying a broad rule in a way that would be unfair or impractical for the particular case. That’s why the special or local provision prevails as the exception to the general provision. The general rule still applies in areas not covered by the specific rule, and neither recency nor age of the rule overrides this specificity.

Specific provisions take precedence over general ones when they address the same issue. A special or local rule is crafted to fit a particular situation or locality, so it acts as an exception to the broader general rule. Using the specific rule ensures the rule’s intent is respected in that context and avoids applying a broad rule in a way that would be unfair or impractical for the particular case. That’s why the special or local provision prevails as the exception to the general provision. The general rule still applies in areas not covered by the specific rule, and neither recency nor age of the rule overrides this specificity.