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 bill that lawmakers passed last year reduces prison terms for several crimes, including those against the democratic rule of law and leading a coup when a person is convicted in both.
—
ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
The questions go to the heart of the frustration expressed by business leaders such as Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank’s boss, who warned just this month at Semafor World Economy that South Africa’s anemic economic growth was down to the state’s basic inability to uphold the rule of law.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The draconian rule of law under Pinochet also thwarted the young director’s cinematic ambitions.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
In countries where the rule of law is weaker, the risks are magnified.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of law
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ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
The questions go to the heart of the frustration expressed by business leaders such as Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank’s boss, who warned just this month at Semafor World Economy that South Africa’s anemic economic growth was down to the state’s basic inability to uphold the rule of law.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The draconian rule of law under Pinochet also thwarted the young director’s cinematic ambitions.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
In countries where the rule of law is weaker, the risks are magnified.
—Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 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 3 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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