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

Martin McDonagh’s latest comic provocation takes place on Easter Island and in 1970s Chile, where a ferociously funny John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell aim to upend the rule of law. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

In David’s 1996 novel Absolute Power, an American president presumes himself to be above the rule of law and seeks to force his underlings to commit criminal acts that will benefit him. — David Baldacci, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026

Forlini says his priorities include protecting election integrity, strengthening transparency, enforcing the rule of law and running a high-performing office that respects the public. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

The European Union fined Poland for undermining the rule of law. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for rule of law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

Legal 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)

2

: government by law : adherence to due process of law