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
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Instead, space exploration can show that the rule of law and cooperative governance can work. Alexander Görlach, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026 Touting Hartford’s commitment to due process and the rule of law, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam promised a thorough investigation into a violent incident at a vigil Thursday night between protesters and what are believed to be federal employees. Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026 Home to the world’s largest oil reserves, the country is an attractive long-term opportunity for Big Oil, but companies are cautious about investing in the short term due to uncertainty around security and the rule of law. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026 His disdain for democracy, the rule of law, and his own people made his widespread unpopularity justifiably deserved. Tom Philp, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule of law

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Cite this Entry

“Rule of law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20law. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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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