rule-of-law
UK[ˌruːl əv ˈlɔː]US[ˌruːl əv ˈlɔː]
noun phrase
The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
Morpheme Breakdown
rule
of
law
rule
govern
of
connection
law
legal system
Etymology
The compound noun phrase "rule of law" is a conceptual fusion of three distinct elements. "Rule" derives from the Latin 'regula', meaning a measuring stick or pattern, which evolved into the principle of governance. "Law" originates from the Old Norse 'lag', signifying something set or fixed, representing the established body of regulations. The preposition "of" connects these concepts, creating a phrase that literally means "the principle originating from the fixed legal system." This phrase crystallized in English legal and political discourse to denote the foundational doctrine that authority itself is subject to pre-existing, impartial legal constraints, rather than arbitrary power.
Analysis
Structure: rule (govern) + of (connection) + law (legal system)
- rule: From Old French 'riule', 'reule', from Latin 'regula' (straight stick, pattern, principle). Functional role: The core concept of governance or authoritative principle.
- of: From Old English 'of', a preposition indicating origin, source, or connection. Functional role: A connecting particle linking the two core nouns.
- law: From Old English 'lagu', from Old Norse 'lag' (something laid down or fixed). Functional role: The specific system of rules being referenced.
Examples
A strong democracy depends on the rule of law.
The investigation was conducted in accordance with the rule of law.
Many international organizations promote the rule of law as a fundamental principle of good governance.