pennsylvania rule
Pennsylvania rule. Torts. The principle that a tortfeasor who violates a statute in the process of causing an injury has the burden of showing that the violation did not cause the injury. The Pennsylvania, 86 U.S. (19 Wall.) 125, 136 (1874). [Cases: Collision 123; Shipping 86(2.3). C.J.S. Collision §§ 211–220.]