Latin for Lawyers

RULE AGAINST PERPETUITIES

dard which is accepted by all to determine legal rights and obligations. The law recognizes many rules , e.g., the rule against perpetuities , the rule in Shelley’s case . These are rules in the sense that they provide guidance for lawyers and judges in dealing with property and other rights. Other examples of rules recognized by lawyers follow. RULE AGAINST PERPETUITIES See PERPETUITY RULE NISI [L. regere / to direct, rule + nisi / if not, unless] An interlocutory order or decree of a court which will become final unless the party affected shows cause why it should not be enforced. A procedure under which one party can move ex parte to secure an order or judgment which, by its terms, will become final if the other party fails to show the court why it should not be granted. See NISI RULE OF CONVENIENCE A rule of the common law which provided that a class which was to benefit from a gift or other distribution be kept open until the moment before final distribution. RULE OF FOUR A general rule of procedure followed by the U.S. Supreme Court which pro vides that a writ of certioriari will be granted and/or a matter will be reviewed if four of the nine judges agree that it should be reviewed. RULE OF LAW A legal doctrine which requires that decisions in specific cases or disputes be determined in accordance with some previously defined and published stan dards and principles which are comprehensible to all and may be relied upon by all. Also, a general doctrine which is applied to those nations or jurisdic tions which follow a defined set of laws and regulations in the government of people and the conduct of their affairs, as opposed to the ad hoc decisions of those who happen to be in power. The United States and the United Kingdom are two nations which are described as living under the rule of law . Nazi Ger many would be an example of a nation which abandoned the rule of law . Also, that body of law framed by statutes, rules, and judicial decisions which defines legal principles of general application to human conduct. RULE OF LENITY See LENITY

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