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 online transcript displays a chilling lack of regard for the rule of law and accountability.
—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
Another is a gradual slide in manners, an erosion of the rule of law.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
As the new administration takes actions that are violative of these democratic principles and undermine the rule of law, business executives should exercise principled leadership, now needed more than ever.
—Michael Posner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Waiting for innocent citizens to be investigated — at great emotional, financial and reputational harm — would be an unacceptable abdication of Biden’s constitutional duty to preserve the rule of law.
—Pierce O'Donnell, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of law 
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Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
Another is a gradual slide in manners, an erosion of the rule of law.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
As the new administration takes actions that are violative of these democratic principles and undermine the rule of law, business executives should exercise principled leadership, now needed more than ever.
—Michael Posner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Waiting for innocent citizens to be investigated — at great emotional, financial and reputational harm — would be an unacceptable abdication of Biden’s constitutional duty to preserve the rule of law.
—Pierce O'Donnell, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
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 23 Dec. 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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