1. The title of a statute or code (the rubric of the relevant statute is the Civil Rights Act of 1964).
2. A category or designation (assignment of rights falls under the rubric of contract law).
3. An authoritative rule, esp. for conducting a public worship service (the rubric dictates whether the congregation should stand or kneel).
4. An introductory or explanatory note; a preface (a well-known scholar wrote the rubric to the book’s fourth edition).
5. An established rule, custom, or law (what is the rubric in the Northern District of Texas regarding appearance at docket call?).