Lex posterior

The lex posterior principle, often referred to in full as lex posterior derogat legi priori, stipulates that a subsequently enacted statute may supersede an earlier one where the two are incompatible. This principle is of considerable importance in the Dutch legal system, as it enables the legislature to update legislation without the need for explicit repeal of prior provisions.

In practice, the principle is frequently invoked by the courts when interpreting conflicting norms, for instance in administrative or criminal law. It promotes coherence within the legal order and reflects the democratic legitimacy of the most recent expression of legislative intent.