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
That is not helpful to the rule of law and to our democracy.
—
John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
For years, the program has supported lawyers’ work in dozens of countries, shedding light on human rights abuses and strengthening rule of law standards in criminal justice systems.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law and two counts involving destruction of state property.
—CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro's charges include attempting to violently end the democratic rule of law, plotting a coup and forming part of an armed criminal organization.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
For years, the program has supported lawyers’ work in dozens of countries, shedding light on human rights abuses and strengthening rule of law standards in criminal justice systems.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law and two counts involving destruction of state property.
—CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Bolsonaro's charges include attempting to violently end the democratic rule of law, plotting a coup and forming part of an armed criminal organization.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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
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