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Law vocabulary · Legal Systems & Sources of Law

Rule of law

Meaning in law, with examples

phraseCommon term

In law, rule of law means: The principle that everyone, including the government and officials, must follow the law, and that laws are applied fairly by independent courts.

In Turkish: hukukun üstünlüğü, hukuk devleti

How it is used

Almost always used with 'the': 'the rule of law'. Common in constitutional law, human rights reports and speeches. People 'uphold', 'respect', 'strengthen' or 'undermine' the rule of law.

Example sentences

  1. An independent judiciary is essential to the rule of law.

  2. The report examines how the rule of law is protected during emergencies.

Common collocations

  • uphold the rule of law
  • respect for the rule of law
  • undermine the rule of law
  • rule of law principles
  • constitutionThe basic set of laws and principles that sets up a state, organises its powers and protects the fundamental rights of its people.
  • due processThe principle that the state must follow fair and proper legal procedures, such as giving notice and a chance to be heard, before taking away a person's rights or property.
  • lawThe system of rules that a society enforces through its courts and the state; also a single rule passed by a parliament, or the subject you study at university.
  • rightSomething the law allows you to have or do, or allows you to demand from others, such as the right to a fair trial or the right to be paid.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Legal Systems & Sources of Law

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.