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expressio unius est exclusio alterius

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)

Definitions from Case Law

From 273 U.S. 593 - Ford v. United States · 1927Most cited · 1,180 citing opinions

This maxim properly applies only when in the natural association of ideas in the mind of the reader that which is expressed is so set over by way of strong contrast to that which is omitted that the contrast enforces the affirmative inference that that which is omitted must be intended to have opposite and contrary treatment.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another. See 113 Mo. 112, 35 Am. St. Rep. 69ff, 20 S. W. 786.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

The expression of one thing is the exclusion of another. Co. Litt. 210a. The express mention of one thing iperson or place] implies the exclusion of another.