Rule of law is one of the most fundamental principles of a free and fair democratic society. It is a value that has shaped western civilization into the juggernaut it is today. Seeing as it is such a quintessential value, it is important we know what the benefits of rule of law are. This post aims to do just that. Below you will find the 10 benefits of rule of law clearly laid out. 

The 10 benefits of the rule of law are:

1. Equality
2. Ensures freedom
3. Good governance
4. Upholds democracy
5. Individual liberty
6. Less bureaucracy
7. Upholds fundamental institutions
8. Ensures justice
9. Prevents arbitrariness
10. Preserves fundamental values and principles

1. Equality

The first benefit of rule of law is that it ensures equality. This is because the rule of law decrees that no individual is above the law. This inherently means every individual is equal under the law. Rule of law makes sure equality is given to all regardless of an individual’s status, class, race, gender, faith, or sexuality. It means that no discrimination is carried out on certain groups and it emphasises the fact that no one group is above any other. Equality under the law is crucial to preserving a free and fair democratic society. 

2. Freedom

The second benefit rule of law has is that it ensures freedom. The importance of a free society is enshrined within the principles of the rule of law. It emphasises the importance of freedom by bestowing individual freedom on every single individual. This means individuals are free in thought, free in speech, and free in expression. These are values crucial to preserving a healthy democracy and ensuring a society is free and fair. 

3. Good governance

The third benefit of rule of law is that it ensures good governance. This is because a healthy democracy and democratic process is at the heart of what the rule of law is about. It makes sure that elected officials are sworn into public office through the will of the people. It holds those in power accountable and stresses the fact no individual is above the law. Lastly, it makes sure public officials work in the best interest of the general public, especially considering it was the general public who elected them. Rule of law is fundamental in ensuring good governance, which is important for a free and fair democratic society. 

4. Upholds democracy

The fourth benefit of rule of law is that it upholds democracy. It ensures the correct implementation of a sound democratic process and makes sure the government runs as it is supposed to. It makes sure every citizen has the right to vote, which is a principle paramount to democracy. It ensures elected officials have been chosen by the people, and that they work in the best interest of the general public. Most importantly, it upholds the entire institution of democracy itself. It stresses the idea that no individual is above democracy, that democracy is put above all else, and that elected officials are merely just there to preserve it. Thus, rule of law upholds democracy, which is crucial to a free and fair democratic society. 

5. Individual liberty

The fifth benefit of rule of law is that it ensures individual liberty. This is crucial to a healthy democracy. The individual must be liberated from any oppression or coercion by the state. The importance of the individual must be prioritised over the interests of bureaucrats. Rule of law emphasises the fact that the individual is free to live life on their own terms, as long as they don’t tread on the rights of others. Rule of law upholds the value of individual liberty and prevents it from being attacked by bureaucrats. Hence, individual liberty is a fundamental value of a free and fair democratic society. Rule of law makes sure that it is upheld at all costs. 

6. Less Bureaucracy

Piggybacking on the last one, the sixth benefit of rule of law is that it restricts the power of bureaucrats. This is essential in maintaining a healthy democracy and a free and fair democratic society. Bureaucrats must only work in the best interests of the general population. If they do not, they undermine democracy and pose a constitutional threat to the fabric of a given society. Rule of law ensures elected officials serve the people who elected them. Restricting bureaucratic power prevents any form of tyranny which could damage society. Thus, restricting the power of bureaucrats is essential for maintaining a free and fair democratic society. 

7. Upholds fundamental institutions

The seventh benefit of rule of law is that it upholds fundamental institutions that are crucial to the correct function of a given society. The biggest one is democracy. It ensures that a society’s democratic process runs as it is supposed to and protects democracy from any outside intervention or arbitrary uses of power. Rule of law upholds the legal system, which is of vital importance to the correct functioning of society. It upholds trade and commerce, which contribute to a society’s prosperity. Thus, rule of law upholds the fundamental institutions that ensure the correct functioning of a free and fair democratic society. 

8. Ensures justice

The eighth benefit of rule of law is that it ensures justice. Justice is a fundamental principle of a free and fair democratic society. It makes sure each and every individual is held accountable for their actions. It ensures that there is a clear societal expectation that individuals don’t break the law. It allows for a better democracy and a healthier, better educated, more prosperous and safer society. Hence, justice is a vital element of a free and fair democratic society. 

9. Prevents arbitrariness

The ninth benefit of rule of law is that it prevents arbitrariness. Democracy is always going to be challenged by outside intervention, tyranny, and any arbitrary uses of power. Rule of law is crafted specifically so it can prevent this from happening and preserve a healthy democracy. It does this mostly by restricting the power and reach of the state and bureaucrats. Despotism, absolutism, authoritarianism and totalitarianism are all at play when the state has too much power and starts flexing its muscles. It is crucial to any society that this be prevented at all cost. Hence, rule of law prevents arbitrariness which is paramount to a free and fair democratic society. 

10. Preserves fundamental values and principles

The tenth benefit of rule of law is that it preserves the fundamental values and principles that pave the way for a free and fair democratic society. A lot of these have been touched on earlier. It upholds the values of freedom and personal liberty, both of which are crucial to a prosperous society. It emphasises the importance of equality before the law, making sure every individual has equal opportunity and an equal say in a given society’s democracy. Last but not least, it upholds the value of democracy itself. It makes sure a given democracy is by the people, for the people and that a society is run from the ground up, not the top down. Thus, rule of law preserves the fundamental values and principles that create a free and fair democratic society.

Summary

The 10 benefits of the rule of law are:

1. Equality
2. Ensures freedom
3. Good governance
4. Upholds democracy
5. Individual liberty
6. Less bureaucracy
7. Upholds fundamental institutions
8. Ensures justice
9. Prevents arbitrariness
10. Preserves fundamental values and principles

Rule of law has many benefits for society. It is a value that has helped shape western civilisation into the powerhouse it is today. It is absolutely paramount for ensuring a free and fair democratic society.