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