rule of law
noun phrase
: a situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed by everyone
The courts uphold the rule of law.
Examples of rule of law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Every American President from Harry Truman onward committed the country to leading a volatile world—building alliances, underwriting institutions, and defending a rule of law that Washington mostly chose to live within.
—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
25 June 2026
To whom are public officials beholden, and who decides the rule of law?
—
Robert Parkinson,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
In a nation where the rule of law still matters, Elliott would allow cities and towns to pay utilities a fraction of the value of their infrastructure (poles, wires, transformers, and easements) because to pay their real value would make his proposal a nonstarter.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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Ian Bremmer,
Time,
25 June 2026
To whom are public officials beholden, and who decides the rule of law?
—
Robert Parkinson,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect and the rule of law.
—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
In a nation where the rule of law still matters, Elliott would allow cities and towns to pay utilities a fraction of the value of their infrastructure (poles, wires, transformers, and easements) because to pay their real value would make his proposal a nonstarter.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
Cite this Entry
“Rule of law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20law. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
rule of law
1
: an authoritative legal doctrine, principle, or precept applied to the facts of an appropriate case
adopting the rule of law that is most persuasive in light of precedent, reason and policy—Wright v. Wright, 904 P.2d 403 (1995)
Wright v. Wright, 904 P.2d 403 (1995)2
: government by law : adherence to due process of law
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