FAIRLY-DEBATABLE RULE

fairly-debatable rule. 1.Insurance. In some states, a test that requires an insurer to have a

plausible basis for denying a claim to avoid bad-faith liability. [Cases: Insurance 3336. C.J.S.

Insurance §§ 1163, 1342, 1576, 1578–1581.] 2.Zoning. A doctrine that bars a court from

interfering with a zoning decision that is supported by substantial evidence, although it is one on

which reasonable minds can differ. • A court will not interfere with a decision supported by

substantial evidence. [Cases: Zoning and Planning 602, 605, 703. C.J.S. Zoning and Land

Planning § 273.][Blacks Law 8th]