Legal Definitions - locality rule

The locality rule is a legal doctrine that applies to professional-malpractice suits. It states that the standard of care for a professional's conduct should be based on the reasonable care exercised by similar professionals in the same vicinity and professional community.

For example, if a doctor in a small town is accused of medical malpractice, the standard of care would be based on what other doctors in that same town would do in similar circumstances. This means that the doctor's actions would be judged against the practices of other doctors in the same area, rather than against a national or international standard.

The locality rule can also apply to other professions, such as lawyers, architects, and engineers. In each case, the standard of care would be based on what other professionals in the same community would do.

Overall, the locality rule helps ensure that professionals are held to a reasonable standard of care that takes into account the specific circumstances of their community and profession.