THEME: the word LAW is found in random phrases
GOOD ONES: Short rule? REG [as a woodworker, I first thought 6" ruler; then the abbr. for
regulation; and finally a king's reign]
BTW: Ones often in custody {& theme} LAWBREAKERS [The way I see it, the word LAW breaks the phrase; LAW is not broken by the phrase as the word LAWBREAKERS would suggest. Others may see the breaker of the phrase as the LAW, but then we have phrases like NILAFERS, IFEEFUL, etc. A third possibility is the the word LAW is broken by the words in the phrase, but somehow a 3-letter word that is part of the beginning and end of words in a phrase leaves me whelmed.]
Formal group assent WE SHALL [hard to believe this clue when there is the iconic spiritual "We Shall Overcome"]
Initials on old globes SSR [not if ex-KGB Putin has his way]
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun