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
That evolution mirrors trends seen in other fragile states where the rule of law has eroded — but with one key difference: Venezuela’s criminal strategy is explicitly transnational, with ambitions that extend far beyond its borders.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
To protect innovation, digital freedom, and the rule of law, signatories call for investment in public education, clearer liability rules and a shift away from prosecuting the authors of open-source code for actions committed by third-party users.
—Fatemeh Fannizadeh, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
He was attracted to the party’s support for free trade, the rule of law and fiscal conservatism.
—Jade Tran, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2025
To protect innovation, digital freedom, and the rule of law, signatories call for investment in public education, clearer liability rules and a shift away from prosecuting the authors of open-source code for actions committed by third-party users.
—Fatemeh Fannizadeh, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
He was attracted to the party’s support for free trade, the rule of law and fiscal conservatism.
—Jade Tran, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share