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
Hands-off approach Presidents typically have a more hands-off approach to the DOJ, in an effort to preserve the independence of the rule of law.
—
Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
The regulatory order from Ontario’s executive council says the U.S. is ignoring the rule of law by imposing the tariffs on Canada.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
The challenge of fighting for democracy, liberalism, and the rule of law just got a lot harder because the president of the United States—a title that used to be synonymous with the leader of the free world—just switched sides.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
The precedents and courses of action were well-defined, and the rule of law on his side in ensuring the terms of the deal were kept.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
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Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
The regulatory order from Ontario’s executive council says the U.S. is ignoring the rule of law by imposing the tariffs on Canada.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 10 Mar. 2025
The challenge of fighting for democracy, liberalism, and the rule of law just got a lot harder because the president of the United States—a title that used to be synonymous with the leader of the free world—just switched sides.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
The precedents and courses of action were well-defined, and the rule of law on his side in ensuring the terms of the deal were kept.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
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 24 Mar. 2025.
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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