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
These are not subtle moves; these are full frontal attacks on the fundamental system of the rule of law in America.
—
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
That’s not just because the rule of law is an important good in itself, but also because failing to follow the law makes it ...
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
All of this challenges the rule of law – that is, the idea that everyone, including those in power, must follow the same laws.
—Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
What has been particularly unsettling to many in the US and abroad is that US policies matter, and if global investors feel that the rule of law in the US is being undermined, this could have repercussions on the international flows of assets into the US.
—Earl Carr, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
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.
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
That’s not just because the rule of law is an important good in itself, but also because failing to follow the law makes it ...
—Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
All of this challenges the rule of law – that is, the idea that everyone, including those in power, must follow the same laws.
—Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025
What has been particularly unsettling to many in the US and abroad is that US policies matter, and if global investors feel that the rule of law in the US is being undermined, this could have repercussions on the international flows of assets into the US.
—Earl Carr, Forbes, 25 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 2 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share