What is the rule of law simple definition

What is the Rule of Law?

The rule of law is a set of principles, or ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society. Many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all.

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The Four Universal Principles

The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers:

Accountability
The government as well as private actors are accountable under the law.

Just Law
The law is clear, publicized, and stable and is applied evenly. It ensures human rights as well as property, contract, and procedural rights.

Open Government
The processes by which the law is adopted, administered, adjudicated, and enforced are accessible, fair, and efficient. 

Accessible and Impartial Justice
Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are accessible, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.

These four universal principles constitute a working definition of the rule of law. They were developed in accordance with internationally accepted standards and norms, and were tested and refined in consultation with a wide variety of experts worldwide.

WJP Rule of Law Index

The four universal principles are further developed in the below factors of the annual World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index®, the world's leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. The latest edition of the Index relies on surveys of more than 150,000 households and 3,600 legal practitioners and experts to measure how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide. Our data provides current and reliable information to policy makers, civil society organizations, academics, citizens, businesses, and legal professionals, among others. Index findings have been cited by heads of state, chief justices, business leaders, and public officials, including media coverage in more than 190 countries worldwide.

Factors of the Rule of Law

The scores and rankings of the WJP Rule of Law Index are organized around eight primary factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice. Follow the links below to learn more about these factors and to see the latest scores for the 140 countries and jurisdictions included in the 2022 Index. 

How the Rule of Law Matters

No matter who we are or where we live, the rule of law affects us all. It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights. Research shows that rule of law correlates to higher economic growth, greater peace, less inequality, improved health outcomes, and more education.

Additional Rule of Law Information and Resources 

A resource for leading organizations, model programs, rule of law information and more.

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Key WJP reports, edited volumes, journal articles, seminar & conference presentations, and working papers.

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A library of WJP-supported, locally-led programs that advance the rule of law around the world.

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Our home for the latest news and information on WJP's strategic convenings.

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News, information, and resources for the press.

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