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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When a president wants to do a decent job — at the least, respecting democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law — the magnet produces an administration of people who respect our institutions of self-government. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025 However, Nuñez and the Board of Trustees continued to defend the decision as somehow upholding the rule of law. Philip Stoddard, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025 What President Donald Trump is doing sure looks and feels like what’s been done in fascist states: targeting specific ethnic nationalities, ignoring the rule of law, and adopting the methods of historical dictators. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 8 July 2025 Citizens and leaders who cherish self-government and the rule of law should welcome the forthcoming recommendations from the ABA Task Force. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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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