Defining the Rule of Law and Related Concepts

Abstract

This Practitioner’s Guide explains the concept of the rule of law, as well as a number of complementary concepts that overlap with and reinforce it. These complementary concepts are common cries of disenfranchised and oppressed citizens fighting an oppressive regime: “justice,” “access to justice,” “human rights,” and “human security.” Section I outlines the meaning and scope of the “rule of law” from theory to practice. Sections II through VI provide an overview of the concepts of justice, access to justice, human rights, and human security. Section VII looks at how these concepts relate to and reinforce one another and the rule of law. Finally, Section VIII summarizes and bring all the definitions together in one omnibus definition.