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

Add in an atmosphere of overall uncertainty, America’s record level of debt and deep concern over this administration’s commitment to ethics and rule of law. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

And the solution is simply to replace the corrupt, racist authoritarian with a governing party that respects the rule of law, equality, and basic decency. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026

In the 2025 Kearney FDI Confidence Index, Canada ranked second globally behind the United States, reflecting sustained investor confidence in its political stability, rule of law, skilled workforce and access to North American markets. — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

This is generally understood as a parable about the fragility of liberal democracy—the thin line between the rule of law and the law of the jungle. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 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