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
Razak’s party is still in power, and the trial is a significant test of the rule of law in Malaysia, analysts told Al Jazeera.
—
Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 26 Dec. 2025
This will go down as the year when the president of the United States openly went to war against the rule of law.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
The rule of law demands predictable rules, individualized judgments, and proportionate, objective measures, not sweeping changes that negatively impact the lives of thousands.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025
The attorney general has got to stand for upholding the rule of law so that this state can thrive.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
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Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 26 Dec. 2025
This will go down as the year when the president of the United States openly went to war against the rule of law.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
The rule of law demands predictable rules, individualized judgments, and proportionate, objective measures, not sweeping changes that negatively impact the lives of thousands.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025
The attorney general has got to stand for upholding the rule of law so that this state can thrive.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 21 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 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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