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
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Bondi leaves after a tumultuous 14 months in charge that critics say damaged the Justice Department's credibility, hollowed out the career ranks and undermined the rule of law.
—
Ryan Lucas, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
American citizens and the rule of law come first, always.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Orbán has been actively engaged in this battle, fighting against liberal democracy and the rule of law, advocating for authoritarian populism and one-party rule.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Rubenstein created the the Rubenstein Fund for American Institutions with a $10 million gift to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to support projects that strengthen democracy, justice and the rule of law.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026
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Ryan Lucas, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
American citizens and the rule of law come first, always.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Orbán has been actively engaged in this battle, fighting against liberal democracy and the rule of law, advocating for authoritarian populism and one-party rule.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
In 2021, Rubenstein created the the Rubenstein Fund for American Institutions with a $10 million gift to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to support projects that strengthen democracy, justice and the rule of law.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 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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