Rule of Local Government Powers

 

The rule of local government powers, which is derived from the Dillon Rule, forcefully and preemptively clarifies that “any fair, reasonable, substantial doubt concerning the existence of power” that a locality may or may not have, beyond the three clearly outlined by the Dillon Rule, then the disputed powers would be unquestionably ruled state government powers.

 

In other words, if there is any question of a locality have any additional powers or authority, other than those listed in the Dillon Rule, then the courts are to determine that the state has the power and authority and not the locality.