Every day, we hear that the Rule of Law is under attack. The institutions that support our democracy are maligned by public figures, elected officials and lawyers. The country’s faith in these institutions, including our elections and our civil and criminal justice systems has eroded. How far has that erosion of faith gone? Can it be stopped? What is the role of lawyers in protecting the Rule of Law?

First, what do we mean when we refer to the Rule of Law? The U.S. courts’ website defines the Rule of Law as “a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are:

  • Publicly promulgated.
  • Equally enforced.
  • Independently adjudicated.
  • Consistent with international human rights principles.