ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bright-line rule

Okay kiddo, let me explain what a bright-line rule means. Imagine you are playing a game of tag and the only rule is that whoever is tagged first becomes "it." That's a bright-line rule because it's simple and easy to understand - someone gets tagged and they become "it," end of story.

Now, in the legal world, a bright-line rule means a clear and specific rule that is easy to understand and follow. It's like a game with clear instructions that make it easy for everyone to know what they can and can't do. For example, a bright-line rule could be that everyone must wear a helmet while riding a bike, or that you can't cross the street without looking both ways.

Bright-line rules are helpful because they reduce confusion and make it easier for people to know what they should or should not do. They also help judges and lawyers make decisions quickly because everyone knows what the rules are in advance. So, just like in tag, bright-line rules make it easier for everyone to know what's going on and avoid chaos.