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
But as special prosecutors have come to be relied on in the most politically sensitive and weighty cases, the decision could have broader implications for presidential power and the rule of law.
—
Alex Ip, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2024
Over 1,200 major western companies pulled out of Russia over Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine, which threatened sovereign stability and the rule of law.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Stephen Henriques, TIME, 16 July 2024
Trump could − in a move that his opponents would likely call an assault on the rule of law − order the Justice Department to drop the charges and fire any attorney general who refuses to do so.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024
The democratic spirit and rule of law can still prevail.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of law 
Alex Ip, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2024
Over 1,200 major western companies pulled out of Russia over Putin's bloody invasion of Ukraine, which threatened sovereign stability and the rule of law.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Stephen Henriques, TIME, 16 July 2024
Trump could − in a move that his opponents would likely call an assault on the rule of law − order the Justice Department to drop the charges and fire any attorney general who refuses to do so.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024
The democratic spirit and rule of law can still prevail.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 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 26 Jul. 2024.
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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