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

State law enforcement should focus on keeping Texans safe and must be grounded in the rule of law and respect for the constitutional rights of all Texans. — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026

Both rank highly among liberal democracies when assessing the fairness of elections, the rule of law, checks on the executive, trust in government, and media freedom. — Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

His actions demonstrated a profound disregard for human life and the rule of law. — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2026

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

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