As Thomas Paine famously said, “In America, the law is king.” This year’s Law Day theme—the rule of law—embodies the concept that no individual is above the law; that everyone is subject to and accountable under the law, including lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and judges. This principle was recognized by the ancient philosophers. Democracy focuses on how societies select those who will hold political power; the rule of law concerns how that power is exercised. The rule of law is the foundation of our rights and liberties in the United States.

The courts, of course, perform a critical role in ensuring the rule of law. Without an independent, fair and efficient court system, the rule of law would be little more than a lofty, but hollow, gesture. Crime would go unpunished, negligent acts would not be redressed, business contracts would lack enforcement, property rights would be ignored, family legal disputes would be left unresolved. In short, civilized society, as we know it and which we often take for granted, would cease to exist.