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
If curtailed, future executive actions could go into effect in some regions while being blocked in others, leading to inconsistent rule of law and potentially unequal application of fundamental rights.
—
Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In a lengthy oral argument that ranged from procedural matters to questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to the rule of law, the U.S. Supreme Court debated narrowing a nationwide pause of President Donald Trump’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 15 May 2025
Today, it is revered around the world as the document that established the principle that everyone – including the monarch – was subject to the rule of law.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Here’s a column by Jamelle Bouie on Trump and the rule of law.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In a lengthy oral argument that ranged from procedural matters to questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to the rule of law, the U.S. Supreme Court debated narrowing a nationwide pause of President Donald Trump’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship.
—Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 15 May 2025
Today, it is revered around the world as the document that established the principle that everyone – including the monarch – was subject to the rule of law.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
Here’s a column by Jamelle Bouie on Trump and the rule of law.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 14 May 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 24 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
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