RULE

prescribed guide for action or conduct, regulation or principle; includes commands to lower courts or court officials to do ministerial acts. If a standard or directive by a governmental agency is characterized as a rule, it must be promulgated in accordance with the procedures set down in the Administrative Procedure Act. A rule of a court, such as a federal rule of civil or criminal procedure, is adopted by the court itself and is subject to legislative action. Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016