rule of law

American  

noun

1. the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law.

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Usage

What is the rule of law? The rule of law refers to the idea that everyone in a society agrees to be governed by and follow the laws of a society.

Etymology

Origin of rule of law

First recorded in 1500–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rule of law

It has the power to freeze a country's membership or suspend its voting rights if it is found to have seriously violated the rule of law.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

It advocated for greater freedoms and rule of law even as those notions fell increasingly out of favor with a populace willing to embrace a strongman ruler to end the post-Soviet economic malaise.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

"The important thing is not to let this be the beginning of the demise of international rule of law."

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

Essential to both personal liberty and constitutional governance is the rule of law.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2026

I would have preferred to sit in the front seat, but Alyssa’s brother called it, and if we don’t adhere to the convention of calling shotgun, what rule of law is left to us?

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman