Legal Definitions - Regulation

Regulation

A Regulation is an official rule created by administrative agencies within the government. These agencies have been given the power to control behavior within their specific areas of responsibility. Regulations are created to ensure that people and organizations follow the rules and to protect the public interest. The word "regulate" means to control or manage.

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates regulations to limit pollution from factories and other sources.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) creates regulations to ensure the safety of air travel.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) creates regulations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines and medical devices.

These examples illustrate how different administrative agencies use their regulatory power to control behavior and protect the public interest. The EPA's regulations help to protect the environment and public health by limiting pollution. The FAA's regulations help to ensure the safety of air travel by setting standards for aircraft and pilots. The FDA's regulations help to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines and medical devices by requiring testing and approval before they can be sold to the public.