golden rule

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A fundamental rule or principle.
2. 2
   The principle that one should treat other people in the manner in which one would want to be treated by them.
3. 3
   A method of statutory interpretation, whereby a judge will deviate from a literal interpretation of the law to the extent necessary to circumvent obvious absurdities or (sometimes) conclusions repugnant to public policy.