rule

In general, a rule is 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?

In administrative law , a rule is a regulation that governs an agency's internal operations as opposed to a regulation that governs individuals and businesses in the world at large. For example, Congress enacted a statute known as the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 , which in part created a federal agency, the Securities Exchange Commission , which in turn adopted the rules pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

In litigation , rules are any standard or principle by which courts resolve disputes. See, e.g., Federal Rules of Civil Procedure .