The rule of law is a concept mostly used by lawyers and politicians without giving definite meanings to the concept as it has many interpretations. It is viewed in many different ways. It has been seen as a key concept in legal and political philosophy. Also, the rule of law has a practical application in that it can offer guidance on the requirements that a good legal system must adhere to.The rule of law, in as much as it influences legislations by regulating the conduct of government officials and those in authority, there is no judicial legislation contrary to the rule of law. This in essence means that the rule of law is meant to keep individuals ‘in check’ under the law to guide against abuse of power. This essay would be discussing the …show more content…
It was discussed by Plato, in the Ancient Greeks in the fourth century BC, who sought to determine the most effective way to govern a state so as to promote a model society. The rule of law was introduced to England in the Magna Carta, which enshrined the principle that the rulers were subject to the law and legal restraint. There are two main school of thoughts on the rule of law; the formal and substantive school. The formal school deals with the way in which the law is enacted, its stability, clarity and non-arbitrary application to all people while the substantive school looks at the content of the law, including the extent to which the law furthers conceptions of morality and/or human rights and the extent to which the rule of law applies in a state. It has widespread support from western liberal democracies; it has been described as the preeminent legit imitating political ideal in the world …show more content…
The rule of law in its debatable state forms an essential part of the United Kingdom’s Constitution. It serves as a restraining force to the government by checking and controlling their powers thereby giving every individual equal chances before the law. This concept looks only to the law and nothing but the law. The principle of rule of law believes the government and private individuals can only act in accordance with the ordinary law of the land. Under this principle, no single individual is above the law and every individual, regardless of their status, is equal before the law. And so, any breach of law or misuse of power shall be dealt with according to the law provided and no individual shall be punished other than what the law says. The principle of the rule of law basically was meant to bring peace and stability by acting as a legal guide to individuals in a state. This in turn allows individuals to live however they want knowing that every misuse of power would be dealt with