Rule
1. In general, any standard, principle, or norm that guides conduct. Thus, any factual situation calling for a decision might be thought of as raising two questions: first, what rules apply to these facts; second, what decision should be made if those rules are to be followed?
2. In administrative law, a regulation that governs an agency's internal operations as opposed to a regulation that governs individuals and businesses in the world at large.
3. In litigation, any standard or principle by which courts resolve disputes. See, e.g., Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
1) To decide a legal question, as when at the end of a lawsuit a court announces: "This court rules that the plaintiff is entitled to the goods and damages for delay in the sum of $10,000." 2) A regulation issued by a court or government agency. 3) A legal principle set by a court's written decision in an appellate case, as "the rule in the case of Murray v. Crampton is...." (See also: rules of court, local rules)
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:23 pm
