A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.

尤其由先例形成的法律的原理、规则。

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Today, in upholding the Affordable Care Act, the Supreme Court has shown that, even at a time when Washington seems to have reached a new level of dysfunction, there remains a respect for the rule of law, for precedent, and for the ability of Congress to legislate on matters that affect the American people.

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The court applied relevant Seventh Circuit precedent (with heavy reliance on the Sixth Circuit) as well as Federal Rule of Evidence 502, which establishes when the disclosure of privileged information results in waiver.

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