from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
RULE OF LAW. Rules of law are general maxims, formed by the courts, who
having observed what is common to many particular cases, announce this
conformity by a maxim, which is called a rule; because in doubtful and
unforeseen cases, it is a rule for their decision; it embraces particular
cases within general principles. Toull. Tit. prel. n. 17; 1 Bl. Com. 44;
Domat, liv. prel. t. 1, s. 1 Ram on Judgm. 30; 3 Barn. & Adol. 34; 2 Russ.
R. 216, 580, 581; 4 Russ. R. 305; 10 Price's R. 218, 219, 228; 1 Barn. & Cr.
86; 7 Bing. R. 280; 1 Ld. Raym. 728; 5 T. R. 5; 4 M. & S. 348. See Maxim.