Bright-line rule

A bright-line rule is a clearly defined rule created by a statute or the courts. The benefit of a bright-line rule is that it is easy to understand and predictable.

For example, in a case called People v. Owusu, New York’s highest court held that body parts are never dangerous instruments. New York law had increased penalties for people who use “dangerous instruments”, such as guns or knives, to commit crimes. The Court held that although fists and teeth can be dangerous when used to hurt other people, body parts are never dangerous instruments. This was a bright-line rule because it should be obvious now that no matter what, a person can never be charged with using a dangerous instrument if the person is only using his body to hurt or threaten another person.

In another example, the Supreme Court of the United  States held that a person is “seized” as soon as law enforcement uses physical force to restrain the person, regardless of whether the person flees and is not actaully under the control of the police officers.