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
In past crackdowns on protests, authorities sometimes adhered to a veneer of due process and rule of law, but not this time, Barzin said.
—
CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
So this is somebody who respects the rule of law.
—Abigail Wise, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
Apparently Democrats don’t like the rule of law.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
So this is somebody who respects the rule of law.
—Abigail Wise, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
Apparently Democrats don’t like the rule of law.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2026
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 16 Feb. 2026.
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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