Legal Definitions - standing rule

A standing rule is a permanent regulation or procedure adopted by an organization, legislative body, or court to govern its ongoing operations, conduct, or internal affairs. Unlike temporary rules created for a specific event or session, a standing rule remains in effect indefinitely until it is formally amended or repealed. These rules ensure consistency, order, and fairness in how the body conducts its business.

• Example 1: Corporate Board Meetings

  The board of directors for a large technology company has a standing rule that all proposals for new projects requiring significant capital investment must be submitted to the board secretary at least two weeks before a scheduled meeting. This allows board members sufficient time to review the details before discussion and voting.

  Explanation: This rule is a permanent procedural guideline for the board. It applies to every meeting where such proposals are considered, ensuring an orderly and well-informed decision-making process, rather than being a temporary rule for a single meeting.

• Example 2: Local Government Council

  A city council operates under a standing rule that limits each council member to a maximum of three minutes of speaking time per agenda item during public meetings, unless an extension is granted by a majority vote of the council.

  Explanation: This rule is a continuous procedural guideline for the city council's debates. It remains in effect for all public meetings, ensuring that discussions are efficient and that all members have an equitable opportunity to speak on various issues.

• Example 3: Professional Association Disciplinary Committee

  The National Association of Architects has a standing rule stating that any member facing an ethics complaint must be notified in writing within 10 business days of the complaint's filing and must respond to the disciplinary committee within 30 days of receiving that notification.

  Explanation: This rule establishes a permanent, consistent procedure for handling all ethics complaints within the association. It ensures a standardized and timely process for addressing serious professional conduct issues, rather than creating new rules for each individual case.