Respecting the Rule of Law

11-19-2024

Respecting the Rule of Law

Politicians talk a lot about how they are protecting the Rule of Law as they justify why they are breaking that rule.

So one must first ask what is the Rule of Law?

The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice.

 – World Justice Project

The phrase “the Rule of Law” has to be distinguished from the phrase “a rule of law”. The latter phrase is used to designate some particular legal rule like the rule against perpetuities or the rule that says we have to file our taxes by a certain date. Those are rules of law, but the Rule of Law is one of the ideals of our political morality and it refers to the ascendancy of law as such and of the institutions of the legal system in a system of governance. The Rule of Law comprises a number of principles of a formal and procedural character, addressing the way in which a community is governed.

 – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

The Rule of Law: The Basic Foundation for US Constitution

The Rule of Law is one of the essential principles that form the basis for our Constitution. It ensures equal protection under the law and helps to limit governmental power over citizens.

The rule of law is a fundamental part of American society.

Definition of the Rule of Law

The Rule of Law is a concept that dates back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, but it was made famous by British jurist William Blackstone. It states that all people should be treated equally under the law regardless of their wealth or social position in society.

Rules are not designed as a means for one group to gain an advantage over another, and they should never be used to punish or favor a particular individual. It is the basic foundation for the Constitution.

The Constitution is the fundamental law that provides this structure, but others, including treaties and laws passed by Congress. Some of these have been around for a long time before they were included in the main body of constitutional protection. At the same time, others came later on through amendments or judicial decisions. All together, they form what’s called the “Rule of Law.” 

– ConstitutionUS.com

Not only is the Constitution of the United States the Law of the Land but it is the foundation of The Rule of Law in our nation.

Other important aspects to consider are the Rules of Law for each of the 50 States, territories and US protectorates. What is the law in some states may not be the same in others. That is why it is a requirement for lawyers and attorneys after graduating from a school of law must then pass a state Bar Exam and be admitted to a state bar association before hanging up their “shingle” to begin practicing law.

A small percentage of lawyers and attorneys venture up the political chain from public defender, prosecuting attorney to attorney general, governor, senator, representative and a very select few make it to the office of the President or Vice President of the United States. They make the transition from public servant to public master as the one who knows what is best for the people of their district, state or nation.

What gives them the power? We do! We The People are the masters of our own fate, or at least we like to think so. Biblically speaking ultimate power is very hard to let go, especially when it brings fame, fortune and control over others.

That’s why I don’t understand when election boards, elected officials, city, county or state governors can take a public stance to “defend the rule of law, and public safety of citizens” as they effectively shred the Rule of Law they have sworn to uphold.

We see this played out with Pennsylvania election officials in 4 counties who defy the Pennsylvania state supreme court or the Democratic Governors Association members who openly resist President Trump’s agenda to remove first criminal elements who’ve invaded our country illegally, and then those migrants who came to this country illegally. Yet it is those elected or appointed officials who are not held accountable for their law breaking actions, yet are quick to stand up for migrants instead of the citizens of their states, and they do so with impunity (exemption or freedom from punishment, harm or loss).

We call that “Business as Usual”.

When will Americans stand up and shout it from the rooftops “ENOUGH”? – RTM