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
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.
And the erosion of constitutional rights and the rule of law presents an even greater threat. — Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Regardless, the onslaught to decimate the rule of law that governs us all marches on and must be stopped. — Miles J. Zaremski, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 Their main priorities are to tackle corruption and promote transparency and the rule of law. — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 That’s one indication the threat isn’t well supported by the law, according to Samantha Trepel, a former DOJ attorney who now serves as rule of law program director at the nonpartisan States United Democracy Project. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule of law

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rule of law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20law. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Legal 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)
2
: government by law : adherence to due process of law
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster