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
Our task is to rebuild and to strengthen the rule of law, the checks and balances.
—
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
The case studies of Iran and Russia should be a wake-up call about where this can lead, and a call to action in defense of the rule of law.
—Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026
Our top priority must be stopping the chaos that’s hurting working families — from reining in ICE’s abuses and restoring the rule of law, to delivering real relief from rising costs.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Legal experts warn that government noncompliance threatens respect for the rule of law.
—Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
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.
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
The case studies of Iran and Russia should be a wake-up call about where this can lead, and a call to action in defense of the rule of law.
—Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026
Our top priority must be stopping the chaos that’s hurting working families — from reining in ICE’s abuses and restoring the rule of law, to delivering real relief from rising costs.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Legal experts warn that government noncompliance threatens respect for the rule of law.
—Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 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 13 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
