1. A method for creating a rights expression for association with an item of digital content for use in a digital rights management system for controlling use of the item of digital content in accordance with the rights expression, said method comprising: specifying rights expression information using a computer, said rights expression information indicating a manner of use of an item of digital content, said rights expression information including at least one element, said element having a variable and corresponding value for said variable; generating a template of said rights expression information using a computing device, including removing said value for said variable from said element; generating an identification for said template; and transmitting said identification for said template to a device adapted to situationally determine said variable and enforce said rights expression information based on said variable and said identification for said template, whereby said rights expression information can be enforced on a device based on said variable and said identification for said template.