Basic principles of the Rule of Law
The rule of law is one of the founding principles of any constitutional democracy. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and equally. It also separates the powers of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, so that they are all accountable to the people and can be known by all. It guarantees that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty. They also have the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves.
The first principle of the rule of law is equality. This principle protects all citizens from discrimination and allows them equal access to courts. The second principle, equality, is important, but it fails to address the nature of rules in the courts. Dicey explicitly opposed special privileges for government officials, but he showed little concern over the role of the law in deciding whether different rules apply to different groups.
Relationship between the Rule of Law and legislation
The concept of the rule of law entails that laws and legal procedures must be free from bias, be open to the public, and be universally applicable. Moreover, the law should guide people without placing excessive cognitive demands on them. Furthermore, legal obligations should not be retroactively established.
The concept of the rule of law has been contested throughout history, and there have been many attempts to define it. Philosophers and jurists have attempted to define it, but there have been no universally accepted or systematic definition of it. Although the idea of the rule of law is often presented as a universally beneficial means of channeling public power, different scholars have interpreted the term differently.
The rule of law is the authority of law in a society. The law affects the behavior of individuals and institutions alike. As a result, it is important to protect the legal officials from the influence of other groups. For example, ensuring the independence of the judiciary is a vital way to ensure the rule of law.
Relationship between the Rule of Law and private property
The relationship between private property and the rule of law is complex, but the two have some common ground. Private property protects the rights of individuals to property and to use that property for the purpose of commerce. Moreover, it provides a means for government to protect private property, which is a key ingredient for the rule of law.
The Rule of Law is a fundamental political ideal, embodied in a set of procedural and formal principles. It reduces the arbitrary and peremptory power of government and establishes mutuality and reciprocity in norm administration. This makes private property more secure and ensures a more just society.
While there is a general affinity between the Rule of Law and private property, others believe they are distinct. Ronald Cass maintains that a commitment to the Rule of Law requires a commitment to protecting property rights. Richard Epstein, on the other hand, concedes the separation but argues that a contingent connection can be established. Furthermore, Epstein argues that forms of regulation that threaten private property are forbidden by the Rule of Law.
