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 The introduction of more inclusive institutions, less extraction and the rule of law would create long-term benefits. Christian Edwards, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024 Acemoglu told the Nobel press conference that data gathered by pro-democracy groups showed that public institutions and rule of law in many parts of the world were being weakened. Reuters, NBC News, 14 Oct. 2024 Was this ghastly outcome for the Palestinians and Israel worth corrupting the rule of law in our own society? Seyward Darby, Longreads, 9 Oct. 2024 The federal government should take a stand and strike down state laws that effectively legalize crime, undermining the rule of law and threatening public safety nationwide. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rule of law 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule of law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near 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 31 Oct. 2024.

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 policyWright v. Wright, 904 P.2d 403 (1995)
2
: government by law : adherence to due process of law
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