American rule

What does American rule mean in American Law?

The definition of American rule in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

See attorneys’ fees.

American Rule in Maritime Law

Note: There is more information on maritime/admiralty law here.

The following is a definition of American Rule, produced by Tetley, in the context of admiralty law: The general rule of American practice which precludes inclusion of attorney’s fees in court costs. The American Rule dates back to the American Revolution, when, in the name of basic freedom, the revolutionaries reacted against the British practice of including generous barrister’s and solicitor’s fees in court costs. See Tetley, M.L.C., 2 Ed., 1998 at pp. 234-235.