What Do You Mean By The Rule Of Law?

One of the most laudable and praise-worthy legal principles is the Rule of Law in society.  What do you mean exactly by the word or term “Rule of Law”?

In any modern society the “law of force” or the “law of the jungle” has no place whatsoever. Gone are the days when might makes right or a person could be a law unto himself.

No society could ever exist in any modern society without any kind of order. This order in society could only be made possible through the existence of law duly passed by the competent body or the Congress or Parliament as the case maybe.

Without any semblance of law and order there would be chaos and anarchy and in such a situation it will for sure will lead to the destruction or annihilation of society itself.

The Rule of Law simply means that from the highest official of the country down to the lowliest person within its territory everyone must bow to the majesty of the law.

It also implies legal equality or equality before the law regardless of your race, color, religion, educational attainment, or socio-economic status. If the rule will be otherwise, then the power of reason will no longer exists in any given society and this will eventually lead to lawlessness.

Further, the modern concept of Rule of Law is a means or form of social control directed to everyone who is a member or who is part of any society.

It has been said that man apart from the law is the worst of animal. This statement may be true indeed with regards to those terrorist organization, organized crimes or gangs that does not respect or recognized no law except the law of force.

The Rule of Law is the triumph of reason over force. It is the victory of humanity over bestiality. It is the only way by which the International order may be preserve.

There is no society in the modern world that did not believe nor do not advocate the Rule of Law as part of its guiding principles.

Look for example the principles upon which the United Nations as an organization is founded. No doubt with all of its numerous, international convention, treaties, agreement and protocol it firmly believes and advocate in the concept of the Rule of Law.

Among the Community of Nations or the International Community the concept of the Rule of Law is always in the forefront. The United Nation Charter is a clear and concrete example of the adherence to the concept of the Rule of Law.

Without the observance of the concept of the International Rule of Law with regards to the international relationship of one country with regards to another country or with respect to one State toward another State then the possibility and probability of war will always be there among country, nation or State.

What is then the end of the Rule of Law?

The answer is basic and simple: Justice.