Rule by law意思

"Rule by law" is a term that is often used to describe a system of governance in which the laws of a country are the primary source of authority, rather than the will of a single individual or group. In such a system, the government and its officials are bound by the same laws as the rest of the population, and the legal system is independent and impartial.

The concept of rule by law is closely associated with the idea of the rule of law, which is a broader principle that emphasizes the supremacy of law over both the individual and the state. The rule of law is typically characterized by several key principles, including:

1. The law is public and known: Laws should be clear, prospective, and accessible to all.
2. The law is equal and applies to all: Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.
3. The law is independent: The judiciary is independent and able to interpret and apply the law without interference from other branches of government or outside pressure.
4. The law is stable and certain: Legal rules should be stable and not subject to arbitrary change.
5. The law is just and fair: The law should be applied in a manner that is consistent with principles of justice and fairness.

While the rule by law emphasizes the importance of legal rules in governing society, the rule of law goes further by emphasizing the broader principles of fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights. In practice, the distinction between the two can be subtle, and the terms are often used interchangeably.