The “rule of law” is incredibly important in a modern democracy. Put simply, it means we should be governed by law, not the random decisions of officials So how does the rule of law protect our rights?

1. The law applies to everyone. The Government and everyone involved in the state are bound by the law. Nobody is above it.

2. Laws can’t be secret. Laws must be made transparently and in public.

3. No past laws. From the day a law is made, it must take effect in the future. It can’t be applied to past events.

4. The courts make sure the law is correctly applied. It’s the role of judges to apply the law. That includes making sure the state doesn’t breach our human rights.

The rule of law is a powerful tool to protect us against injustice. The courts ensure we are not treated unfairly or arbitrarily deprived of our rights. Judges are not enemies of the people. They are protectors of the people.

We need to stand up for the rule of law and against those who attack it.