A commentary by a Victoria barrister and solicitor.

The rule of law is one of the most important principles of a democratic society.

It means that everyone — including governments — are bound by the same laws. It ensures that the law is applied fairly and transparently, even to government actions. This is essential because in every country, it is the government that has the greatest impact on the rights and lives of every single person. Without the rule of law, democracy cannot function.

When respect for the rule of law is strong, people trust that their rights will be protected, disputes will be resolved fairly and government power will be limited by legal safeguards. When it is weak, decisions become arbitrary, and power can be used to punish opponents and silence critics, leaving citizens with little recourse.

History........

© Times Colonist