RU glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every RU term in the Amicus glossary.

Rudeness

/ˈruːdnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The quality or state of being offensively impolite or disrespectful, potentially relevant in legal contexts such as courtroom decorum or codes of conduct.
    The judge admonished the lawyer for his rudeness during the trial.

Commentary

Rudeness may impact legal proceedings when it violates standards of professional or courtroom behavior but is generally not a standalone legal claim.


Rudimentary

/ˌruːdɪˈmɛntri/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Existing in an undeveloped or basic form; involving the first principles or elements.
    The contract included only rudimentary provisions, leaving many terms to be negotiated later.

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'rudimentary' often refers to initial, incomplete, or simplistic versions of agreements or principles, underscoring the need for further elaboration or detail.


Rule

/ˈruːl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A prescribed guide for conduct or action, often established by an authority in legal contexts.
    The court followed the procedural rules during the trial.
  2. (n.) A legally binding directive issued by a governmental agency under statutory authority, known as an administrative rule.
    The environmental agency implemented new rules to regulate emissions.
  3. (v.) To exercise authority or control over; to govern.
    The monarch ruled the kingdom for decades.

Forms

  • rules
  • ruled
  • ruling

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish between 'rule' as a general principle and 'rule' as an administrative or procedural directive; clarity avoids confusion in regulatory versus judicial contexts.


Rule of Law

/ˈruːl əv ˈlɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A foundational legal principle that all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced.
    The rule of law ensures that government actions are subject to legal constraints.
  2. (n.) The concept that laws must be clear, publicized, stable, and just, protecting fundamental rights and preventing arbitrary governance.
    Respect for the rule of law is essential for maintaining democratic governance.

Commentary

The term encompasses both the principle of legal supremacy and the qualitative standards that laws must meet; usage often emphasizes its role in preventing arbitrariness in governance.


Rule of Lenity

/ˈruːl əv ˈlɛnɪti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal principle that ambiguous criminal statutes should be interpreted in the light most favorable to the defendant.
    The court applied the rule of lenity to resolve ambiguity in the criminal statute.

Commentary

The rule of lenity applies only in criminal cases when statutory language is genuinely ambiguous, ensuring fairness to defendants.


Rule of Order

/ˈruːl əv ˈɔːrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A prescribed regulation or guideline for conducting meetings or legal proceedings to maintain order and ensure fairness.
    The rule of order requires members to be recognized before speaking.

Forms

  • rule of order
  • rules of order

Commentary

Rules of order are typically detailed in parliamentary authority texts and serve to structure formal deliberations in assemblies and courts.


Rule of Statutory Construction

/ˈruːl əv ˈstætjəˌtɔːri kənˈstrʌkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A principle or set of principles guiding courts in interpreting and applying statutory law.
    The court applied the rule of statutory construction to resolve ambiguity in the statute's language.
  2. (n.) Canons of statutory interpretation used to discern legislative intent when the statutory text is unclear or ambiguous.
    Under the rule of statutory construction, ambiguous terms are construed against the drafter.

Forms

  • rule of statutory construction
  • rules of statutory construction

Commentary

The term encompasses various interpretive methods courts use, such as textualism and purposivism; practitioners must consider multiple canons depending on context.


Rule-Based System

/ˈruːlˌbeɪst ˈsɪstəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A computerized system that applies predetermined legal rules to facts to generate legal outcomes or advice.
    The law firm used a rule-based system to automate contract compliance review.

Forms

  • rule-based system
  • rule-based systems

Commentary

Rule-based systems in law encapsulate codified rules and are foundational in legal AI; drafters should distinguish them from case-based or statistical models.


Rulemaking

/ˈruːlˌmeɪkɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process by which administrative agencies formulate, amend, or repeal rules or regulations to implement laws.
    The agency's rulemaking process included public notice and comment periods.

Forms

  • rulemakings

Commentary

Rulemaking is a fundamental administrative law function requiring adherence to procedural norms like notice and public comment.


Ruler

/ˈruːlər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person exercising supreme authority in a state or territory, such as a monarch or sovereign.
    The ruler enacted new laws that shaped the kingdom's governance.
  2. (n.) A measuring instrument used in drafting or drawing to draw straight lines or measure distances, sometimes referenced in legal standards or patents.
    The patent described the design of a novel ruler for architects.

Forms

  • rulers

Commentary

The term 'ruler' primarily denotes a sovereign authority in legal contexts, but can also refer to a measuring device relevant in intellectual property law or standards.


Rules of Civil Procedure

/ˈruːlz əv ˈsɪvəl prəˈsiːdʒər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Established procedural norms that govern the conduct of civil lawsuits in courts to ensure fair and orderly administration of justice.
    The plaintiff filed a motion in compliance with the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Forms

  • rules of civil procedure
  • rule of civil procedure

Commentary

Rules of Civil Procedure vary by jurisdiction but generally cover pleadings, motions, discovery, trial conduct, and appeals; understanding local rules is critical for effective litigation practice.


Rules of Criminal Procedure

/ˈruːlz əv ˈkrɪmɪnəl prəˈsiːdʒər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal regulations governing the process for conducting criminal trials and proceedings.
    The Rules of Criminal Procedure outline the steps for arraignment and trial.

Forms

  • rules of criminal procedure
  • rule of criminal procedure

Commentary

These rules vary by jurisdiction but generally aim to ensure fairness and due process in criminal prosecutions.


Rules of Engagement

/ˈruːlz əv ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Prearranged directives or guidelines that govern the initiation, conduct, and cessation of military operations or other engagements, often establishing lawful use-of-force parameters.
    The commanding officer briefs the troops on the rules of engagement before the mission.
  2. (n.) In broader legal or diplomatic contexts, formal protocols agreed upon by parties to regulate conduct during negotiations or interactions to prevent conflict escalation.
    The diplomats agreed to strict rules of engagement to ensure peaceful talks.

Forms

  • rules of engagement

Commentary

Rules of engagement often balance military necessity with legal and ethical constraints, and they may vary by jurisdiction or operational context.


Rules of Evidence

/ˈruːlz əv ˈɛvɪdəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal principles governing the admissibility, relevance, and reliability of evidence in court proceedings.
    The judge carefully explained the rules of evidence to ensure a fair trial.

Forms

  • rules of evidence
  • rule of evidence

Commentary

Rules of evidence vary by jurisdiction but share common principles aiming to ensure fairness and reliability in judicial fact-finding.


Rules of Order

/ˈruːlz əv ˈɔːrdər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A set of procedural guidelines for conducting meetings and making decisions within deliberative assemblies.
    The board followed the rules of order to ensure a fair and orderly meeting.
  2. (n.) The body of procedural law derived from standard manuals like Robert's Rules of Order that governs parliamentary procedure.
    Understanding the rules of order is essential for effective legislative debate.

Forms

  • rules of order

Commentary

Rules of order provide a standardized framework to facilitate orderly and equitable discussion in meetings; they are often incorporated by reference in organizational bylaws.


Rules of Origin

/ˈruːlz əv ˈɔːrɪdʒɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Criteria used to determine the country of origin of a product for purposes of international trade and tariffs.
    The rules of origin specify how much local content a product must have to qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
  2. (n.) Legal standards that identify the national source of goods in customs and trade law.
    Customs officials rely on rules of origin to apply correct duties to imported merchandise.

Forms

  • rules of origin

Commentary

Rules of origin are vital in international trade agreements to prevent trade circumvention and apply appropriate tariffs.


Rules of Play

/ˈruːlz əv pleɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Prescribed guidelines or principles that govern conduct within a legal game, test, or procedural context, ensuring fairness and predictability.
    The court referred to the rules of play to determine procedural compliance during the trial.

Forms

  • rules of play

Commentary

Often applied in contexts where legal procedures or formal interactions resemble structured games or contests, emphasizing adherence to established principles to avoid arbitrariness.


Rules of Procedure

/ˈruːlz əv prəˈsiːdʒər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Prescribed regulations governing the conduct of legal proceedings or organizational meetings.
    The court followed the established rules of procedure to ensure a fair trial.
  2. (n.) The procedural framework set by an organization or tribunal to manage its internal decision-making processes.
    The board adopted new rules of procedure to streamline meetings and voting.

Forms

  • rules of procedure

Commentary

Rules of procedure are fundamental in structuring legal and organizational processes; drafters should ensure clarity and consistency with applicable substantive law.


Rules of Professional Conduct

/ˈruːlz əv prəˈfɛʃənəl kənˈdʌkt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Ethical standards and guidelines established by a legal authority governing the professional behavior of attorneys and legal practitioners.
    Lawyers must adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct to maintain their license to practice.

Forms

  • rules of professional conduct

Commentary

These rules serve as a foundational framework directing attorney behavior, often adopted or adapted by state bar associations; drafters should note jurisdictional variations in content and enforcement.


Rules of War

/ˈruːlz əv wɔːr/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal norms governing the conduct of armed conflict, also known as international humanitarian law, aiming to limit suffering in war.
    The rules of war prohibit attacks on civilian populations.

Forms

  • rules of war

Commentary

The term often overlaps with 'law of armed conflict' and is central to regulating hostilities to protect non-combatants and restrict means/methods of warfare.


Ruling

/ˈruːlɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal decision or judgment issued by a court or other legal authority resolving a legal question or issue.
    The judge issued a ruling in favor of the plaintiff.
  2. (n.) An authoritative interpretation or directive issued by an administrative agency or regulatory body.
    The IRS published a ruling clarifying tax obligations.

Forms

  • rulings

Commentary

'Ruling' commonly refers to both judicial and administrative determinations; distinguish it from 'judgment' which often denotes finality and enforceability in courts.


Run with the Land

/ˈrʌn wɪð ðə ˈlænd/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To pass automatically with a parcel of land to a new owner upon transfer of title, including rights, easements, or covenants.
    The easement runs with the land, binding successive owners.

Forms

  • run with the land
  • runs with the land
  • running with the land
  • ran with the land

Commentary

This phrase is commonly used to describe property rights or obligations that persist beyond a particular owner, emphasizing immutability with property transfers. Draft with clear reference to the interest's binding nature on successors.


Runaway

/ˈrʌnˌəˌweɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A minor who leaves home without parental consent, often becoming the subject of legal proceedings or protective custody.
    The court issued an order for the protection of the runaway until custody could be determined.
  2. (adj.) Describing something escaping control or confinement, such as runaway inflation or runaway crime rates.
    The legislative body debated measures to rein in runaway government spending.

Forms

  • runaway
  • runaways

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'runaway' primarily refers to a minor absent without permission, relevant in family and juvenile law; adjectival usage pertains to uncontrolled or excessive conditions, often in statutory or regulatory discussions.


Running Cost

/ˈrʌnɪŋ kɒst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Ongoing expenses incurred in the course of operating or maintaining a business, property, or legal entity.
    The running costs of the commercial property include utilities and maintenance fees.

Forms

  • running cost
  • running costs

Commentary

In legal contexts, running cost often appears in contracts or financial disclosures and should be clearly distinguished from one-time or capital costs.


Running Government

/ˈrʌnɪŋ ˈɡʌvərnmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or process of managing and administering the affairs of a government or public authority.
    The running government must ensure effective delivery of public services.

Forms

  • running government

Commentary

The term typically denotes the operational aspect of government management distinct from legislative or judicial functions.


Running with the Land

/ˈrʌnɪŋ wɪð ðə lænd/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Describes rights, privileges, or interests that are inseparably attached to and transfer with ownership of real property.
    The easement is running with the land and thus binds all future owners.

Forms

  • running with the land

Commentary

The phrase often appears in contexts concerning real property interests that bind successors; drafting should clarify intent for binding future owners.


Runoff

/ˈrʌnˌɔf/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Water or other substances that flow over the land surface into streams or drainage systems, often relevant in environmental law and land use regulation.
    The court considered the impact of agricultural runoff on the nearby river's water quality.
  2. (n.) An election held to resolve a tie or when no candidate meets the required threshold.
    The election required a runoff between the top two candidates.

Forms

  • runoffs

Commentary

In legal contexts, runoff primarily appears in environmental regulation and election law; clarity depends on context.


Runoff Election

/ˈrʌnˌɔf ɪˈlɛkʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A second election held between top candidates when no candidate achieves the required majority in the first election, to determine the final winner.
    The runoff election was scheduled after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the initial election.

Forms

  • runoff elections

Commentary

Runoff elections are used to ensure a candidate has majority support, and legal provisions must clearly define conditions triggering a runoff to avoid electoral disputes.


Runoff Voting

/ˈrʌnˌɒf ˈvoʊtɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An electoral system where a second round of voting is held if no candidate wins a majority in the first round, ensuring majority support for the winner.
    The election proceeded to runoff voting after no candidate secured over 50% of the votes.

Forms

  • runoff voting
  • runoff votings
  • runoff voted

Commentary

Runoff voting is often used in legal frameworks to ensure elected officials have majority support, impacting election law and dispute resolution.

Glossary – RU Terms