See more. I. The relevance of the rule of law, and an understanding of its concepts, has its origins in the Magna Carta. These reflections on the rule of law consider the rule of law from within the rule of law tradition. At its most basic level the rule of law is the concept that both the government and citizens know the law and obey it. Then there is a court system to help decide which laws apply in each situation and how the laws should be interpreted. But that’s not what it means. However the rule of law is also much larger than this. What is the Rule of Law? Constitutional law can only be fully and effectively implemented when the laws of a country or region as a whole are respected by the citizenry and the Government. Abstract. This discussion clarifies: (1) what the rule of law is; (2) what the rule of law requires of us; (3) where the rule of law comes from; (4) why it is so valuable; and (5) how we can secure it. Rule of law definition, the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law. When such a condition has come to pass, then it may be considered that the rule of law is present. Law fulfills several important functions, but these four are … What is the Rule of Law - United Nations and the Rule of Law objectives are all believed to hinge, at least in part, on ‘the rule of law.’”--World Bank, The Rule of Law as a Goal of Development Policy . Introduction to the Rule of Law Politicians, lawyers, economists and policy-makers often use the term “rule of law” to characterize a certain type of legal-political regime. The European Commission has set out a plan to monitor rule of law abuses across the bloc in its annual rule of law report. The rule of law is a basic concern in the creation of the Constitution. Functions of Law. RULE OF LAW. There is a common misconception regarding the term “the rule of law.” Lots of people, including U.S. officials, believe that it means that people should obey the law. The Law. Rules of law are general maxims, formed by the courts, who having observed what is common to many particular cases, announce this conformity by a maxim, which is called a rule; because in doubtful and unforeseen cases, it is a rule for their decision; it embraces particular cases within general principles. Law has been defined as “a body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by a controlling authority, and having binding legal force. Rule of Law Report. It may go back to King John at Runnymede ‘s Magna Charta (AD 1215) and even the Greco-Roman system of justice. It seems like a lot of rules, but all of them are important to help protect us in our day-to-day lives. Before answering the question, few basics need to be discussed. 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