Definition

1. 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

1. a state of order in which events conform to the law