In general, rules are 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, rules are 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.
See also: Federal Rules
[Last updated in August of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]