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.

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