Throughout the centuries, debates about the Rule of Law have raged. These debates continued through the early modern period, through the American Enlightenment, and even into the modern era.
The Rule of Law is a set of rules and procedures that govern the conduct of a state. These rules are implemented through legislative acts and courts. They are designed to make power less arbitrary, less peremptory, and less unpredictable.
A Rule of Law should be intelligible, accessible, and epistemically valid. It should also be capable of promoting social justice. Laws are designed to make sure that people have access to justice, and that their rights are protected. It is also a means of protecting people from abuses of power.
The Rule of Law is a formal concept, but it does have historical antecedents. In particular, the concept of “natural law” emerged in the ancient Greek philosophy. This concept was revived in mainstream culture through the writings of Thomas Aquinas.
The Rule of Law can be defined as a formal principle requiring competent professions, competent judges, and a publicly accepted framework. The concept has been lauded by thinkers such as Hobbes and Plato, but it is often criticized as an old-fashioned notion.
The Rule of Law’s most important function is to protect people from the abuses of power. To make power less arbitrary and more predictable, a state needs a well-developed legal system. This is achieved through the elaboration of laws, the creation of a well-functioning judiciary, and the protection of citizens from government officials.