Rule of Recognition

The Rule of Recognition is a fundamental concept in the philosophy of law, referring to the criteria or standards used to identify what counts as law in a particular legal system. Essentially, it serves as a guideline for distinguishing valid legal rules from invalid ones. In practice, this means that legal officials, like judges and lawmakers, rely on certain established principles, statutes, or customs to determine what laws are enforceable. This rule helps maintain consistency and order in the application of law, allowing society to understand and follow its legal framework effectively.