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
Yet all federal employees, both appointees like me, as well as the career staff and the leadership, are obliged to follow the rule of law.
—
Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
Illinois scores particularly poorly in the first two areas—entrepreneurship and economic growth, and institutions and the rule of law.
—Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Since its founding in 1969, the Chicago Council of Lawyers has acted to support the rule of law and to speak truth to power.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
America stands ready to enter a new golden age, founded on the radical notion that the promises made to the American people—promises to put America and American citizens first, to return dignity and respect to working families, and to restore the rule of law—must be kept.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
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Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
Illinois scores particularly poorly in the first two areas—entrepreneurship and economic growth, and institutions and the rule of law.
—Adam A. Millsap, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Since its founding in 1969, the Chicago Council of Lawyers has acted to support the rule of law and to speak truth to power.
—Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
America stands ready to enter a new golden age, founded on the radical notion that the promises made to the American people—promises to put America and American citizens first, to return dignity and respect to working families, and to restore the rule of law—must be kept.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 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 28 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
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