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# 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

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New sanctions needed The U.S. offer to soften sanctions to support the Barbados Agreement and restore

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*rule of law*in Venezuela was an important effort. —Tirana Hassan,*The Mercury News*, 6 Nov. 2024 And that returns us to the bottom-line choice in this election: One candidate will preserve the Constitution and the*rule of law*; the other will erode them. —Doyle McManus,*Los Angeles Times*, 4 Nov. 2024 Nobody will protect your home and freedom when the*rule of law*is lost. —Thomas G. Moukawsher,*Newsweek*, 4 Nov. 2024 And by doing away with democracy, undermining not only our constitution, our institutions, the*rule of law*, but our fundamental freedoms and rights. —Kc Baker,*People.com*, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for*rule of law*## Dictionary Entries Near *rule of law*

## Cite this Entry

“Rule of law.” *Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary*, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20law. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

## 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

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