Rule of Law



Rule of Law (also closely associated with or referred to as rule according to law, rule under law, and rule according to a higher law) is not easily defined. It embodies the theory, idea or concept, wherein the law is the authority in a situation, rather than man, government, or any other entity.

The World Justice Project has submitted the followng principles as a working rule of law definition:

- A system of self-government where all entities are accountable under the law;

- A system based on fair, publicized, broadly understood and stable laws;

- A fair, robust and accessible legal process in which rights and responsibilities based in law are evenly enforced; and

- Diverse, competent, and independent lawyers and judges.

Additionally, rule of law is widely accepted as promoting democracy. With this interpretation, the govening law of the land must support and reflect the ideas and decisions of the populace.

In this scenario, laws are established and set, based upon societal rules, mores and opinions, as well as a general concensus of the preferred methods of dealing with criminal and civil transgressions. These laws are created by both legislative bodies and judicial precedent. This supports the concept that the rule of law equals the rule of the people.

Further reading and investigation is encouraged to more fully examine the complex nuances of the Rule of Law and what this means to each individual.

Copyright HG.org

Rule of Law Articles

  • Attorneys Can Be Called to Be an Expert Witness
    A lawyer usually can become an expert witness in legal matters, to remove confusion about laws and regulations in the case and to prevent further confusion about something specific or minute regarding laws in a local or city issue. The lawyer can explain various aspects of the matter and provide objective materials for better clarification of the situation.
  • Doctor Practicing Without an Active Medical License - Does the Patient Have Legal Options?
    There are times when a doctor loses his or her professional license to practice medicine in one state but will still have this license in another state where he or she continues to perform various medical services and duties. However, he or she can still face a lawsuit if the license is not active in the state because of medical malpractice or other professional misconduct.
  • Tax Attorney - Why a Tax Attorney Is Important for Individuals and Businesses
    Every business or person that doesn’t want to expend a lot of money on taxes, when there are clear provisions in the law that can be used in reducing tax amount paid, definitely needs a tax attorney.
  • Typical Fees Included in an Expert Witness Fee Agreement
    When retaining an expert witness for a case, the lawyer usually negotiates a contract between the two professionals with certain aspects of financial matters that will detail the fees involved and what the expert witness can expect in payment. There are particular sections of this agreement that detail the relationship and what services will allot which fees.
  • Keeping Secrets: The Attorney Client Privilege in NC
    When someone is served with a subpoena to testify in court, he or she generally must go to the courthouse and testify in open court at the risk of being held in contempt of court, i.e., incarcerated, for failure to do so. And the witness must answer all of the questions from the attorneys while on the witness stand.
  • Mental Health Professionals - When Can They Disclose What I’ve Said?
    There are times and reasons for disclosure to others when a mental health practitioner should ensure others know what the person with the condition has said or is planning on doing in the future. These times usually involve possible harm to others, to the person seeking treatment or when he or she is planning on doing something nefarious which poses a threat of danger.
  • Common Legal Problems with Being an Expert Witness
    Expert witnesses can face similar legal problems as other professionals depending on the situation, and some of these include professional or sexual misconduct, interfering with an investigation, breach of contract and misleading or misrepresentation of the facts. Some legal concerns arise during a case or when the professional hired by the lawyer causes problems during a case.
  • Massage Therapists Face Legal Issues
    As with any professional, massage therapists face legal concerns such as contract problems, professional conduct issues and sexual harassment or assault complications that can lead to either success or failures in lawsuits. When confronting such legal concerns, it is important to hire a lawyer to determine the best way forward.
  • Avoiding Conflict Problems with Expert Witnesses
    The relationship between lawyer and expert witness relies upon the work they accomplish which requires a lack of conflict and a better understanding of the subject matter. There are ways of avoiding arguments that can help assist both parties in seeking stronger bonds and working together on the case accordingly.
  • Medical Malpractice Claims Against Mental Health Professionals
    Medical professionals within the mental health industry can commit malpractice in various ways, but the primary claim arises through mistakes in treatment and medication that can adversely affect the patient. When these errors occur, the injury inflicted can cause damage to the body or mind depending on the level of medication and severity of the injury.


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