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 Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment, but officials there have broadly defended the department’s actions as not only justified but necessary for ensuring the rule of law and holding alleged criminals to account.
—
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
For businesses operating across borders, the rule of law is not an abstract principle.
—Maria Mendiluce, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
This is the time to defend democratic government, the rule of law, and the freedoms generations fought to secure.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
But the emergence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an anti-constitutional and ongoing threat to the rule of law in the United States has made for an unprecedented dynamic at play as potential World Cup visitors must assess a new level of risk to attend.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
For businesses operating across borders, the rule of law is not an abstract principle.
—Maria Mendiluce, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
This is the time to defend democratic government, the rule of law, and the freedoms generations fought to secure.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
But the emergence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an anti-constitutional and ongoing threat to the rule of law in the United States has made for an unprecedented dynamic at play as potential World Cup visitors must assess a new level of risk to attend.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
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 4 Feb. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
