from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
RULES OF PRACTICE. Certain orders made by the courts for the purpose of
regulating the practice of members of the bar and others.
2. Every court of record has an inherent power to make rules for the
transaction of its business; which rules they may from time to time change,
alter, rescind or repeal. While they are in force they must be applied to
all cases which fall within them; they can use no discretion, unless such
discretion is authorized by the rules themselves. Rules of court cannot, of
course, contravene the constitution or the law of the land. 3 Pick. R. 512;
2 Har. & John. 79; 1 Pet. S. C. R. 604; 3 Binn. 227, 417; 3 S. & R. 253; 8
S. & R. 336; 2 Misso. R. 98; 11 S. & R. 131; 5 Pick. R. 187.