Law is a set of rules that govern human behavior and are enforceable by social and governmental institutions. Its precise definition is a matter of dispute and debate. Many consider it a science, an art form, or a form of justice. The purpose of law is to promote justice and social order in a society.
The Rule of Law is a complex legal system
The Rule of Law is a legal system that requires people in power to exercise their authority in accordance with established norms. It also demands that a government operate within its legal framework and be held accountable to the law if it tries to do something against those norms. It also ensures that citizens have equal protection under the law.
According to Alexander Hamilton, the rule of law requires that the judiciary be independent in order to ensure impartial and even-handed application of the law.
It is a stable constitution
Whether or not a constitution is stable depends on its ability to adapt to the societal changes and shocks it encounters, including changes in population and technology. While it is essential to have some flexibility in the constitution, stability over time is essential for a successful long-term system. In this regard, the U.S. constitution has done well in terms of stability.
Stability can be achieved in two ways. First, it gives the text of the constitution a firm foundation for new interpretations, and second, it provides a framework for flexible change. This allows the constitution to serve the interests of all generations and to ensure continuity.
It is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals
Rule of Law: A system of justice where the government is accountable under the law, and laws are publicly known, apply equally, and protect fundamental rights is essential for a stable, prosperous, and democratic society. It also ensures that the process of making and enforcing laws is fair, accessible, and efficient, and that impartial representatives deliver justice. These representatives must be competent, ethical, and independent, and must be representative of the diversity of the communities that they serve.
It is a bond of reciprocity with the purposes of those who are governed
Reciprocity is often viewed as mutually reinforcing. However, it can also be construed as an explicit relationship. An employment contract, for example, creates a reciprocal relationship between an employer and employee. An employer has a legal obligation to pay an employee for the hours he or she works.
The concept of reciprocity has been the subject of debate among political philosophers. Thomas Hobbes, influenced by the English Civil War, stressed the need for citizens to conform to the authority of the state. He also described the state as a “Leviathan,” and the social contract as “a mutual transfer of rights.”
