Rules of law
The concept of rules of law is important in a political society. They determine the way in which the community is governed. They also determine the institutions that are needed to administer those norms. Throughout the centuries, different theorists have argued about the rules of law and the role of the state.
The principle of the rule of law demands that people in authority exercise their power within the confines of established public norms. For example, the government must operate within a legal framework and be accountable to the people through the courts when a person or group acts unlawfully.
Concept of the Rule of Law
The concept of the Rule of Law aims to ensure that citizens respect and accept the legal norms that govern their society. It requires that the law be applied equally to all, regardless of social class or ethnicity. This ensures that no one is above the law, and that all citizens have access to protection.
The rule of law concept has several advantages for policy makers. It recognizes the legal pluralism that occurs in societies and recognises uneven and nonlinear progress in rule-of-law systems.
Principles of the Rule of Law
In the mid-20th century, two seminal works on the subject of the rule of law emerged. Since then, scholars have struggled to identify the key attributes of a well-functioning rule of law. Some of these attributes are universal, while others are more specific. The basic idea is that the rule of law is a system where regular law is the supreme authority. This excludes the use of arbitrariness, prerogative, and wide discretionary powers.
The rule of law is an important concept that should be emphasized during political reforms. It is important to note that, for instance, a government might have a noble goal but attempt to engage in a behavior that is not within the bounds of the law. These actions would be considered a violation of the rule of law if they do not have a sound legal basis.
Historical development of the Rule of Law
The Rule of Law is a system of interconnected rules between government, agency, and individual, enforcing the fundamental rights and freedoms of man. It is a cornerstone of a democratic state and civil society. This article explores the historical development of the rule of law in the Western world, comparing different eras and analyzing key moments in history. It draws on political philosophers, judges, and philosophers of law to examine the concept and its evolution over time.
Throughout the history of Western civilization, the concept of the Rule of Law has been lauded and criticized in various forms. For example, Aristotle was a champion of the idea of legality, but opposed the notion that rule of law is the same as rule of man. Hobbes argued that the Rule of Law extends beyond a legal system that is based on law. And Carl Schmitt opposed the liberal idea that rules will always win in a crisis.
Characteristics of the Rule of Law
A rule of law is a legal framework that governs behavior. As such, a rule of law is an important principle to follow. However, a rule of law that focuses too much on the law may not be desirable. It might lead to legalism and overbureaucracy, which are damaging to people and their relationships.
The basic characteristics of a rule of law are openness, transparency, and consistency. It is also important for laws to be universal, simple, and understandable. In addition, laws should not impose undue cognitive demands on people. They should also be relatively stable, with determinate requirements that people can consult before acting.