On May 1, 2026, people gathered at courthouses across the country for the National Law Day of Action. The Law Day of Action invites legal professionals and community members to reaffirm their oath taken when admitted to the bar and publicly show their commitment to judicial independence, due process, and the rule of law.
But what does the “rule of law” mean?
The phrase has been increasingly used in headlines, judicial commentary, and public debate, but tends to be dismissed as a buzzword, political talking point, or as an abstract legal concept. In actuality, the rule of law has a very real and important impact on how courts apply the law and resolve disputes every day.
Fundamentally, the rule of law is the principle that society is governed by laws. It means that legal issues are required to be settled through procedures, evidence, and legal standards, as opposed to arbitrary decisions, individual influence, or political pressure. It also means that no person, institution, or government entity is above the law, and that rights and responsibilities are applied consistently, predictably, and impartially.
In litigation, the rule of law is reflected in the procedures that govern how cases are filed, investigated, and decided in the courts. Court rules require certain procedures to be followed when exchanging information, filing and arguing motions, selecting juries, admitting evidence, and when judges rule on and eventually decide the outcome of the case. These procedures are aimed at promoting aspects of fairness such as ensuring both sides have access to evidence, keeping the court focused on trustworthy information and legal precedent, preventing needless delay that could prejudice either party, and applying the same standards equally to all parties. While these rules may seem technical, they are essential for resolving disputes in accordance with established legal standards. Without upholding the rule of law, cases could be decided on speculation, favoritism, or political pressure, with no consistency from case to case.
The rule of law is particularly important in civil rights litigation. In those cases, individuals who are often in a weaker position or have less access to resources tend to challenge larger institutions or the government. Even with disparities amongst the parties, courts are meant to function as neutral forums, where claims of constitutional violations or government misconduct can be examined fairly through established legal processes. Parties present their evidence and make their arguments, the judge applies the governing law, and the outcome can be further reviewed on appeal, regardless of who brings the case or what the case concerns.
Disagreeing with a particular ruling or result is inevitable, but the legitimacy of the legal system depends not only on the outcome, but also on the confidence that the process itself is fair, neutral, and consistent. The legal system ultimately relies on people and institutions to comply with court rulings and legal obligations, so maintaining the public’s confidence in its integrity is crucial. When public trust erodes, so does the court’s ability to effectively resolve disputes.
Though the phrase “rule of law” often arises in relation to cases of national controversy, it is not limited to the matters that make headlines. The rule of law influences all matters and disputes that pass through the courts. For individuals and organizations involved in litigation, the rule of law directly affects not only how their claims are evaluated and decided, but also whether the courtroom can be trusted as a fair place to resolve their issues. The rule of law is the foundation of the legal system and the principle that gives meaning to the American ideal of justice for all. With legal institutions facing more and more scrutiny, understanding what the rule of law means— and why defending it matters— has never been more important.
