rule of law

American

noun

the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law.

Usage

What is the rule of law? The rule of law refers to the idea that everyone in a society agrees to be governed by and follow the laws of a society.

Etymology

Origin of rule of law

First recorded in 1500–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“There’s one thing clearly absent in everything they said: that is the rule of law,” Gerhardt said.

From Salon

But symbolism is important in maintaining a democratic society under the rule of law.

From Salon

But she noted that she believes “in the justice system and the rule of law.”

From Los Angeles Times

The court proved that there are safeguards in place for the functioning of the rule of law in Greece.

From BBC

The UN's leader warns that "rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force", at the opening of the UN Human Rights Council's annual session in Geneva.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023