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
Orbán has been actively engaged in this battle, fighting against liberal democracy and the rule of law, advocating for authoritarian populism and one-party rule.
—
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Rubenstein created the the Rubenstein Fund for American Institutions with a $10 million gift to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to support projects that strengthen democracy, justice and the rule of law.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
But those who have worked with him or presented cases in his court say that outward appearance masks a sharp, deeply engaged jurist with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
In Cuba there is no rule of law that allows cases to be judged by an independent court, laws are frequently changed, and confiscation is part of the legal code and can be used as a tool of repression, lawyers knowledgeable about Cuban laws told the Miami Herald.
—Sarah Moreno
updated March 24, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Rubenstein created the the Rubenstein Fund for American Institutions with a $10 million gift to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to support projects that strengthen democracy, justice and the rule of law.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
But those who have worked with him or presented cases in his court say that outward appearance masks a sharp, deeply engaged jurist with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
In Cuba there is no rule of law that allows cases to be judged by an independent court, laws are frequently changed, and confiscation is part of the legal code and can be used as a tool of repression, lawyers knowledgeable about Cuban laws told the Miami Herald.
—Sarah Moreno
updated March 24, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 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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