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
Legal experts say the ACLU’s tactic of contacting Hendrix outside of court after business hours serves as a major problem for the proper rule of law.
—
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2025
Written by Wolf and FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins, CIA (working title) centers on two unlikely partners – a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer (Ellis), and a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
On a range of issues, from inflation and immigration to taxation and rule of law, the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that Americans who disapproved of Trump's performance outnumbered those who approved on every issue in the poll.
—Jason Lange, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
But after weeks of mixed and muted messaging, the Court has spoken, finally, with clarity and strength, in support of the rule of law.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2025
Written by Wolf and FBI: Most Wanted showrunner David Hudgins, CIA (working title) centers on two unlikely partners – a fast-talking, rule-breaking loose cannon CIA case officer (Ellis), and a by-the-book, seasoned and smart FBI agent who believes in the rule of law.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
On a range of issues, from inflation and immigration to taxation and rule of law, the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that Americans who disapproved of Trump's performance outnumbered those who approved on every issue in the poll.
—Jason Lange, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
But after weeks of mixed and muted messaging, the Court has spoken, finally, with clarity and strength, in support of the rule of law.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
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 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share