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
In February, Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet, charged Bolsonaro and other accused, with leading a criminal organization, plotting a coup d’état, and violent abolition of the democratic rule of law.
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Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Those being freedom, human rights, pluralism, security, democracy, and the rule of law.
—Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Allowing the President to unlawfully remove Governor Cook on unsubstantiated and vague allegations would endanger the stability of our financial system and undermine the rule of law.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This is an attempt to attack our democracy, because a democracy can only operate under the rule of law and can only operate if our leaders are following the law.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
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Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Those being freedom, human rights, pluralism, security, democracy, and the rule of law.
—Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Allowing the President to unlawfully remove Governor Cook on unsubstantiated and vague allegations would endanger the stability of our financial system and undermine the rule of law.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This is an attempt to attack our democracy, because a democracy can only operate under the rule of law and can only operate if our leaders are following the law.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 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 13 Sep. 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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