The rule of law has been fundamental to western civilisation. It has helped shape democracies and create free and fair societies. Given that the rule of law is such an important concept, it is essential we know what it is and why it matters.

The rule of law means that no citizen is above the law. It has an emphasis on transparency and equity. It is important as it lays the foundation for free and fair democratic societies to prosper. It protects the individual from the forces of tyranny and any arbitrary use of power. 

Simply explained

As mentioned above, the easiest way to explain the rule of law is that it means no citizen is above the law.  Every individual is equal before the law, regardless of their status, class, race, faith, gender or sexuality. Rule of law itself is made up of numerous laws that all maintain order and freedom within society. The actual framework that rule of law is built upon ensures that these laws are protected, and cannot be meddled with by outside forces such as the state or monarchies. The idea that everyone is equal under the law is important, as it  protects us from segregation and ensures no-one in society is oppressed.

Rule of law also stresses that laws are enacted using a universal framework. This means that the laws must be transparent, universal in application and knowable to all. This ensures that citizens know and have a clear understanding of what the laws are, so they can follow them. If laws are too complicated, citizens start to lose trust in the law and society, paving the way for tyranny and anarchy. 

The rule of law also emphasises the idea that legal requirements are more of a guide for citizens to follow. The legal system cannot put undue and tyrannical behavioural and cognitive demands on the individual. This is important as the rule of law is there to ensure the freedoms and rights of individuals and to lessen the threat of tyranny. Demanding people to behave and operate in a certain way strips people of their basic rights that the rule of law is required to uphold. It is of the utmost importance that legal requirements of a democratic society uphold the freedoms and rights of the individual.

Why it is important

Rule of law is foundational to a free and fair democratic society. Firstly, rule of law upholds all the values, legal systems and institutions that make for a thriving and prosperous democracy. Not only does it ensure these concepts and institutions can operate soundly, it also protects from any outside intervention or arbitrary use of power. Rule of law is the keystone of a free and fair democratic society. Freedom, individualism and democracy can only come to fruition under the rule of law. It is the essential framework from which all other concepts and institutions are built. The values that we hold dear to our hearts, and the institutions and systems that help us thrive are a direct consequence of the rule of law. 

As stated just above, not only does the rule of law uphold all these values, it protects them from outside forces and arbitrary use of power. It shields society from dangerous currents such as despotism, absolutism, authoritarianism and totalitarianism – all things that threaten freedom, the rights of the individual and democracy itself. The only way to preserve freedom, individualism and democracy is through the rule of law. It is critical to the survival of these core western values. Without it, chaos will soon follow. 

Rule of law is also important because as stated earlier, it ensures the legal system is more of a guide for individuals to abide by. This is paramount as it doesn’t force the individual to conduct themselves in a certain way. More so, it makes sure the individual moves in the right direction, that they benefit themselves and therefore society. It establishes the boundaries that the individual can’t cross, such as murder, damage to private property and theft. This allows for a more prosperous society as citizens understand the law and abide by it, going about life in a way that benefits society. 

How does it affect society

Given that rule of law is such an important idea, it is essential to note briefly how it affects society. First and foremost, the most positive effect rule of law has on society is that it creates a framework not only for widespread concepts and institutions, but also for the individual and society as a whole. This ensures everyone is on a level playing field, and the laws are transparent, followable and easy to understand. Rule of law is the mechanism that helps us practically organise our concepts, values and institutions. This is crucial as a society cannot flourish unless it is built upon a solid framework of rules that nudge it in the right direction.

Secondly, rule of law allows for more individual freedom and is the foundation of a free and fair democracy. It means societal institutions work as they are supposed to, and political concepts such as individualism are implemented properly. It shields democracy from tyranny and arbitrary uses of power that threaten society. No citizens are above the law, which means everyone is equal before the law no matter who they are or where they come from. No-one can manipulate or dictate the legal system to suit them. It protects individuals from any forms of discrimination or opression, and makes sure the rights and freedoms of the individual are upheld. Thus, rule of law affects society in a very positive way. 

Summary

The rule of law means that no citizen is above the law. It has an emphasis on transparency and equity. It is important as it lays the foundation for free and fair democratic societies to prosper. It protects the individual from the forces of tyranny and any arbitrary use of power. 

Simply explained, rule of law means no individual is above the law. Every individual is equal before the law regardless of who they are or where they come from. Rule of law emphasises that the legal system must be transparent, universal in application and knowable by all. 

Rule of law is important as it establishes, protects and preserves the rights and freedoms of the individual. It shields democracy from any arbitrary use of power and is essential for prosperity and a free and fair democratic society.

Rule of law affects society very positively. It is the fundamental mechanism that props up all the quintessential values of democracy, and lays the framework for the concepts and institutions that shape the daily life of the individual.