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

This may then seem like yet another story about how Trump has wrecked norms and corrupted the rule of law. — James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

These protests attracted the interest of the Council of Europe, the international organisation set up in 1949 to uphold human rights and the rule of law in Europe which now numbers 46 members, including the United Kingdom. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Her endorsement also comes from her belief that Johnson will put the rule of law back at the forefront of the attorney general's office, while Middleton won't. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Despite recent moves toward democracy and the rule of law in Syria, unity and stability are still a ways off. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 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