Gibbs' Rule-Breaking: Which Laws Did He Break?

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, was suspended and eventually resigned from his position in 2021. The suspension was a result of Gibbs assaulting a dog killer, which was recorded and occurred during a time of heightened public scrutiny of police brutality. While Gibbs had a history of breaking laws and going against protocol, this incident was different as it was highly publicised and left the director with no choice but to suspend him.

Gibbs broke Rule #13: 'Never, ever involve lawyers'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former NCIS Supervisory Special Agent, is known for his extensive series of guidelines that he lives by and teaches to his team. One of these rules is "Never, ever involve a lawyer", which is listed as Rule #13. This rule was first introduced in Season 6, Episode 7 ("Collateral Damage") of the show and was recited by Tony, one of Gibbs' team members.

Gibbs' cautious nature towards lawyers is rooted in his personal experience with legal professionals, as he has been through three divorces. In addition to Rule #13, Tony mentions that Gibbs has six other rules concerning lawyers, but that #13 is the "umbrella rule". This rule is revisited in Season 7, Episode 24 ("Rule Fifty-One").

Despite this rule, Gibbs does break it in Season 7, Episode 16 ("Mother's Day"). In this episode, Gibbs' ex-mother-in-law becomes a suspect in a murder case, and he contacts Allison Hart, a lawyer, to represent her.

Gibbs' rules serve as a quick way to relay critical information and guide his team's conduct during investigations. While some rules focus on crime scene management, others, like Rule #13, are more personal in nature, reflecting Gibbs' own experiences and values.

Gibbs broke Rule #10: 'Never get personally involved with a case'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, has a set of rules that he lives by and teaches to those he works closely with. One of these rules is Rule #10: Never get personally involved with a case.

In the season 7 episode "Obsession", Tony Dinozzo admits to Gibbs that he has broken Rule #10 again, to which Gibbs responds, "Yeah, that is the one I've had the most trouble with". In the season 16 episode "She", Gibbs does away with the rule by physically burning it in his fireplace.

Gibbs' rules are an extensive series of guidelines that are necessary for the original Major Case Response Team leader in NCIS. The rules are the quickest way for Gibbs to relay critical information in the shortest time. While many of Gibbs' rules dictate crime scene management, later rules feel more personal.

Gibbs' Rule #10 is not the only rule that he has broken. In the season 3 episode "Ships in the Night", Gibbs broke Rule #1 (Never let suspects stay together) in order to get a confession. In the season 6 episode "Collateral Damage", Gibbs' Rule #13 (Never, ever involve lawyers) is broken when Tony recites the rule and follows it up by saying that Gibbs has seven rules involving lawyers and that #13 is the "umbrella rule". In the season 7 episode "Rule Fifty-One", Gibbs breaks his own Rule #45 (Clean up your messes) when he refuses to apologise for beating a dog killer, which leads to his suspension.

Gibbs broke Rule #1: 'Never let suspects stay together'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, has a set of rules that he lives by and teaches to those he works closely with. One of these rules is "Never let suspects stay together", which is also referred to as Rule #1.

Gibbs broke this rule in the episode "Ships in the Night" to get a confession from a suspect. This was not the first time Gibbs had broken this rule, as he also did so in the episodes "Caught on Tape" and "A Man Walks into a Bar". However, in "Caught on Tape", the suspects were later found to be innocent, and in "A Man Walks into a Bar", they were only guilty of covering up a suicide, not murder.

In the episode "Yankee White", Gibbs states Rule #1: "Never let suspects stay together". This is the first time the rule is mentioned in the show, and it is said to be one of the quickest ways for Gibbs to relay critical information.

Gibbs has an alternative Rule #1: "Never screw over your partner", which was recited to him by Jenny Shephard in the episode "Blowback". This rule is one of three that originated from Mike Franks, with the rest being Gibbs' own. This is why there are two Rule #1s and Rule #3s.

Gibbs' rules are an extensive series, with around 100 in total. They are not always presented chronologically, and some are for everyday use, while others are for emergencies only. The rules are a combination of Gibbs' own and those he learned from others, such as his first wife, Shannon Gibbs, and Mike Franks.

Gibbs broke Rule #12: 'Never date a co-worker'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former NCIS Supervisory Special Agent, broke Rule #12: Never date a co-worker. Gibbs had a long list of rules that he used to guide his team and himself. While many of these rules dictate crime scene management, some are more personal.

Rule #12 was first referenced in Season 1, Episode 15, "Enigma", when Special Agent Kate Todd reminded Tony DiNozzo of the rule while they were sitting in the bullpen. The series narrowly avoided this rule, with NCIS playing out will-they-won't-they relationships between its leading characters to avoid workplace grey areas, like Tony and Ziva's NCIS romance.

Gibbs had three failed marriages and relationships before joining the NIS/NCIS. He was married to Shannon Fielding, Diane Sterling, and Rebecca Chase. He was also engaged to Ellen Wallace but broke off the engagement.

Gibbs' rule about not dating co-workers may have been informed by his own personal experience, as he was involved with at least three of his co-workers: Hollis Mann, Jennifer Shepard, and Jacqueline Sloane.

Gibbs broke Rule #45: 'Clean up your messes'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, has a set of rules that he lives by and imparts to his team. One of these rules is Rule #45: "Clean up your messes".

Gibbs, a former Marine, is known for his no-nonsense attitude and strict adherence to his rules. He expects his team to follow his rules and will not tolerate any deviation. This particular rule, "Clean up your messes", is one that Gibbs takes very seriously. He believes that if you make a mess, it is your responsibility to clean it up and not leave it for someone else to deal with. This rule reflects his disciplined personality and his commitment to getting the job done, no matter how difficult or messy it may be.

In one episode, Gibbs finds himself in a situation where he has to clean up his own mess. He gets into trouble for assaulting a suspect, Luke, and his team has to cover up his actions while discreetly investigating Luke. Despite being suspended by Director Vance for his actions, Gibbs stands by his rule and refuses to regret his actions. This incident showcases Gibbs' unwavering commitment to his rules and his strong sense of justice.

Gibbs' rules are an essential part of his character and how he operates as a Special Agent-in-Charge. They guide his decision-making and help him navigate the challenges he faces in his line of work. While some of his rules are about crime scene management, others are more personal, reflecting his life experiences and values.

Rule #45, "Clean up your messes", is a testament to Gibbs' unwavering commitment to accountability and taking responsibility for one's actions. It is a rule that he expects his team to follow and one that he himself adheres to strictly, even if it means facing the consequences.

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