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
The Open Society Foundations initiative is structured across two core pillars — defending civil liberties and the rule of law and expanding civil rights and creating economic opportunity.
—
Geoff Harris, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2026
As the institutions that hold democracy together are quietly hollowed out and the very definition of democracy is rewritten as being simply majority rule, universal values – human dignity and the rule of law – are replaced with a fierce nationalism, a proud victimhood, and a rewriting of history.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Tech firms were quick to abandon their once-proud commitments to diversity and defense of immigrants following the 2024 election and quietly acquiesced to Trump’s attacks on once-scared cows like higher education, free trade and the rule of law.
—Jonathan Weber, Fortune, 19 May 2026
However, they are united in their respect for the rule of law.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026
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Geoff Harris, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2026
As the institutions that hold democracy together are quietly hollowed out and the very definition of democracy is rewritten as being simply majority rule, universal values – human dignity and the rule of law – are replaced with a fierce nationalism, a proud victimhood, and a rewriting of history.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Tech firms were quick to abandon their once-proud commitments to diversity and defense of immigrants following the 2024 election and quietly acquiesced to Trump’s attacks on once-scared cows like higher education, free trade and the rule of law.
—Jonathan Weber, Fortune, 19 May 2026
However, they are united in their respect for the rule of law.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 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 25 May. 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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