Legislatures often leave details to specialists. A regulation is a rule issued by an administrative agency under authority delegated by statute, implementing and filling out the requirements of primary legislation.

Agencies propose regulations, solicit public comment, and publish final rules that carry the force of law if properly adopted. Regulations can set safety standards, market conduct rules, environmental limits, and eligibility criteria for public programs. Courts review them for consistency with the authorizing statute and for compliance with procedural requirements.

For regulated industries, tracking and complying with regulations is a continuous obligation. Guidance documents and enforcement actions further shape practical meaning. The volume of modern regulation makes administrative law a central field for both government and private practitioners.

• Agency rule implementing a statute
• Adopted through notice-and-comment or similar process
• Carries legal force when validly issued
• Subject to judicial review