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

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Revoking this protection on a large scale, especially when around 1.75 million immigrants from various countries currently in the United States could be affected by such actions, not only upsets lives and families but also breaches the trust in the rule of law. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The 6–3 ruling is a major victory not only for the people of South Carolina but for every American who believes in the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, and the fundamental right to life. Katie Daniel, National Review, 1 July 2025 Others worry about setting a dangerous precedent for the rule of law by seizing a country’s funds—even if that country has violated international laws and is engaged in the mass murder of civilians. Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025 Our firm is committed to the rule of law and to protecting the rights of our clients without regard to their political or other beliefs. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 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 12 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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