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
Critics warn that the removals threaten the independence of career prosecutors and could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
—
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
The mission of strengthening the rule of law faced particular challenges in Brazil.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
There was an attempt to topple the state, the rule of law, and it was punished.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
This is not liberalism of the left, and not liberalism of the neoliberal sort associated with a particular set of right-wing views, but instead a commitment to freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
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Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
The mission of strengthening the rule of law faced particular challenges in Brazil.
—Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
There was an attempt to topple the state, the rule of law, and it was punished.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
This is not liberalism of the left, and not liberalism of the neoliberal sort associated with a particular set of right-wing views, but instead a commitment to freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 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 6 Oct. 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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