Rule of Law.

 The Rule of Law.

The Rule of Law is a fundamental principle of governance in which all persons, institutions, and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are:

·         Publicly promulgated: Laws are openly known and accessible to everyone. There are no secret laws.

·         Equally enforced: Laws apply to everyone without discrimination, regardless of their status, wealth, or power. No one is above the law.

·         Independently adjudicated: Disputes about the law are resolved by an impartial and independent judiciary that is free from political pressure or personal bias.

·         Consistent with international human rights principles: Laws uphold and protect fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In essence, the Rule of Law means that a society is governed by laws, not by arbitrary decisions of individuals or rulers. It stands in opposition to arbitrary power and ensures that power is exercised within the boundaries set by law.

Key aspects and principles of the Rule of Law include:

·         Supremacy of Law: The law is supreme, and everyone, including the government, must obey it.

·         Equality Before the Law: All individuals are treated equally under the law, and the law applies to everyone in the same way.

·         Legal Certainty: Laws must be clear, precise, predictable, and stable, allowing people to understand their rights and obligations and the consequences of their actions.

·         Accountability: Government officials and institutions are accountable for their actions under the law.

·         Separation of Powers: The powers of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) are separated to provide checks and balances and prevent the concentration of power in one entity.

·         Access to Justice: Everyone should have fair and timely access to legal remedies and an independent judicial system to resolve disputes and challenge injustices.

·         Protection of Human Rights: The law must safeguard fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The concept of the Rule of Law has ancient roots, with ideas appearing in ancient Greek and Roman thought, and notably reinforced by documents like the Magna Carta in 1215, which began to establish the idea that even monarchs were subject to the law. It is considered a cornerstone of democratic societies and is vital for maintaining a just, orderly, and stable society where individual rights are protected.