THE RULE OF LAW EXPLAINED 

What is the “rule of law” and why is it important?

In a nutshell, the rule of law means that societies function according to a clear set of rules. In a genuine democracy, people have a say in the rules that govern their lives, and the rules apply to everyone equally – no matter who they are.

The rules are enforced by independent courts, free from political pressure, and civil-society organisations and the media help to ensure that people are treated fairly, that responsibilities are divided up between different institutions and that powerful people and organisations are held to account.

How does the rule of law support democracy?

In other words, the rule of law holds democratic societies together. It makes sure that people can go about their lives in freedom and without unreasonable obstacles or delay – much like a well-functioning metro system.

However, after long periods of relatively stability, we can start to take the rule of law for granted and lose sight of its importance. People living in established democracies get used to things working more or less as they should.

But in any complex and inter-related system, like a metro system, the different parts need to be regularly maintained to make sure they keep working properly. Otherwise the system as a whole can fall apart.

In recent years, the rule of law has come under increasing pressure in Europe and worldwide. Corruption remains commonplace. Sometimes the police are not held accountable when things go wrong. People start to question the independence of courts. It can feel like there is one rule for the rich and powerful and another rule for everyone else. NGOs and the media come under pressure to follow the government line.

Such trends are a real danger to the rule of law, and to people’s faith in democracy. In these circumstances, extremist voices offering simple solutions to difficult problems can catch people’s attention. Suddenly the core values on which our societies are built – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – come under threat.

Understanding the purpose of the rule of law and what’s at stake 

To face up to these challenges, it is crucial that we all understand exactly what is at stake. Important as it is, many people don’t have a clear idea of what the rule of law means, or why it is important to their daily lives.

The Rule of Law Explainer, developed by a group of communications staff from Europe’s leading international human rights organisations, is a practical tool designed to make the rule of law understandable and relevant to broad audiences. It helps to bring clarity and everyday meaning to a concept that is often seen as being abstract or legalistic.

What is the concept behind the explainer?

The key principles of the rule of law are connected like a metro network that keeps a city intact. At first glance, it is just a map of coloured lines and stations. But once you step onto it, you realise it keeps the whole city moving, for the benefit of everyone.

Each line represents one core aspect of the rule of law: the rules must be applied equally; everyone must play by the rules; the rules should be clear to everyone; a democracy is made up of different institutions; state power must always be limited; and everyone has the right to be heard by an independent and impartial court.

All of these lines are interconnected. If one breaks down, disruption and chaos quickly spread. If laws are unclear, people cannot plan their lives. If courts are not independent, trust collapses. If state power remains unchecked, repression becomes inevitable, and the system eventually becomes unstable and unsafe.

Who is the rule of law explainer for?

The explainer is designed for anyone who needs accessible, accurate ways to explain the rule of law: civil-society representatives, governments, international organisations, human rights institutions, equality bodies and educators.

Ultimately, the broader public will benefit, particularly young people and citizens who are unclear about the importance and relevance of the rule of law to their lives.

The principles are illustrated by concrete everyday examples of what the rule of law is beyond the legal definitions – ranging from employment contracts and business regulations to media freedom and artificial intelligence – to demonstrate why the rule of law matters for everyone and how societies can strengthen adherence to the rule of law.