rule of law
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced: The "rule of law" is a foundational political doctrine where legal rules, rather than arbitrary decisions by individuals, govern a society. It implies supremacy of law, equality before the law, and accountability to the law.
Usage
- The "rule of law" is used as a singular noun phrase, often preceded by the definite article "the." It describes an abstract concept or condition of a society or state.
- It is a formal term commonly used in political, legal, and academic contexts to discuss governance, human rights, and social order.
Examples
- Noun:
- A strong democracy depends on the rule of law.
- The report criticized the country for its lack of rule of law.
- Respect for the rule of law is essential for economic development.
Advanced Usage
- "under the rule of law": in a situation governed by this principle.
- Citizens should live under the rule of law, not under the rule of men.
- "breakdown in the rule of law": a situation where this principle fails or collapses.
- The civil war led to a complete breakdown in the rule of law.
Variants and Related Words
- Rule (n): a prescribed guide for conduct or action; a regulation.
- Law (n): a binding custom or practice of a community; a rule of conduct or action established by an authority.
Synonyms
- Legal order: a system or state of affairs based on law.
- Constitutionalism: adherence to a system of constitutional government, often overlapping with the rule of law.
- Lawfulness: the quality of being conformable to or allowed by law.
Antonyms
- Anarchy: a state of disorder due to absence of authority or law.
- Tyranny: cruel and oppressive government or rule, often arbitrary and not bound by law.
- Arbitrariness: the quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system (like law).
Noun
- a state of order in which events conform to the law