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
Vice President Harris has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the ideals that define our nation — freedom, democracy, and rule of law.
—
Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
All this matters because of ongoing concerns that Mr. Trump is being – or will be – treated either too harshly or too lightly, and what that could mean for democratic norms and the rule of law.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2024
To prevent Hamas from taking over the West Bank, Israel should stabilize the territory by supporting accountable governance, supporting the economy, and promoting the rule of law, both through its own police and the security forces of the Palestinian Authority.
—Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2024
To enforce his personal rule of law, James could censor speech, the press, legal treatises, and the theater.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of law 
Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
All this matters because of ongoing concerns that Mr. Trump is being – or will be – treated either too harshly or too lightly, and what that could mean for democratic norms and the rule of law.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2024
To prevent Hamas from taking over the West Bank, Israel should stabilize the territory by supporting accountable governance, supporting the economy, and promoting the rule of law, both through its own police and the security forces of the Palestinian Authority.
—Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2024
To enforce his personal rule of law, James could censor speech, the press, legal treatises, and the theater.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of law
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule of law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rule of law
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“Rule of law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20law. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
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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