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
The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or simply ignore, whether that be for political or personal gain.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
In what President Donald Trump says is a move to protect the rule of law and free speech advocates see as an attack on it, the White House is promising tougher punishments for vandalizing public monuments, statues and religious displays.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
So much for his support for law enforcement and the rule of law.
—Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
The implications of Trump’s pardon power are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the rule of law and accountability in the US.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 2 Feb. 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.
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025
In what President Donald Trump says is a move to protect the rule of law and free speech advocates see as an attack on it, the White House is promising tougher punishments for vandalizing public monuments, statues and religious displays.
—Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
So much for his support for law enforcement and the rule of law.
—Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
The implications of Trump’s pardon power are far-reaching and have significant consequences for the rule of law and accountability in the US.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rule of law
Dictionary Entries Near 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 21 Feb. 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