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
People have this chance with this ballot—November 4—is stand up to the rule of law, stand up for coequal branches of government, stand up to, yes, Donald Trump, but also stand up in the spirit that defines this moment to people being bullied and people being intimidated.
—
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Last month, James Boasberg, a seasoned federal judge, and Emil Bove III, a Justice Department lawyer, became foils in a parable about the rule of law during Donald Trump’s second term.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
This clear violation of international law is a serious challenge to the rule of law around the world and should be a concern for all nations.
—Miriam Sapiro, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
The consistency of the rule of law is critical to maintaining a sense of fairness and order.
—Dominic Calabro, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Last month, James Boasberg, a seasoned federal judge, and Emil Bove III, a Justice Department lawyer, became foils in a parable about the rule of law during Donald Trump’s second term.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
This clear violation of international law is a serious challenge to the rule of law around the world and should be a concern for all nations.
—Miriam Sapiro, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
The consistency of the rule of law is critical to maintaining a sense of fairness and order.
—Dominic Calabro, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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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