rule of law
/ˌruːl əv ˈlɔː/The restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws: when military dictators fall, the democrats who follow them must try to restore the rule of law...- The Prime Minister overrides the rule of law and declares a coroner's enquiry unnecessary.
- That decision demonstrated that this country upholds the rule of law and basic human rights.
- It is a fundamental requisite of the rule of law that the law should be made known.
See parent entry: rule