The Rule of Law and Political Ideals

The rule of law is a political ideal that all citizens and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers and leaders. It is sometimes stated simply as 'no one is above the law'.

The rule of law refers to a political situation, not to any specific legal rule. It is defined as the mechanism, process, institution, practice, or norm that supports the equality of all citizens before the law, secures a nonarbitrary form of government, and prevents the arbitrary use of power.

Scottish theologian Samuel Rutherford employed the phrase in arguing against the divine right of kings.

<p>John Locke wrote that freedom in society means being subject only to laws written by a legislature that apply to everyone, with a person being otherwise free from both governmental and private restrictions on his liberty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>British jurist A. V. Dicey further popularized the phrase 'the rule of law' in the 19th century.</p> Signup and view all the answers