rule of law
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rule of law
The principle that the state and its institutions are bound by the law in force and may not act arbitrarily. It guarantees citizens legal certainty and protects their fundamental rights.
Die Unabhängigkeit der Gerichte ist eine wesentliche Säule der Rechtsstaatlichkeit.
The independence of the courts is an essential pillar of the rule of law.
The word is built from 'Recht' (law/right), 'Staat' (state), the ending '-lich' (-ly/-al), and the ending '-keit' (-ness). It describes the quality (-keit) of a state being legal or law-based (-lich), that is, being based on the law.
Die Achtung der Menschenrechte ist ein Fundament der Rechtsstaatlichkeit.
Respect for human rights is a foundation of the rule of law.
'Rechtsstaatlichkeit' (rule of law) is often used with verbs that express its protection or endangerment. Typical verbs are 'wahren' (to uphold), 'garantieren' (to guarantee), 'schützen' (to protect), 'achten' (to respect), as well as 'untergraben' (to undermine) and 'gefährden' (to endanger).
Viele Organisationen arbeiten daran, die Rechtsstaatlichkeit in der Welt zu wahren.
Many organizations work to uphold the rule of law around the world.
This is a central term in politics, journalism, and legal studies. It is rarely used in everyday conversations.
In der politischen Debatte ging es um die Sicherung der Rechtsstaatlichkeit.
The political debate was about safeguarding the rule of law.
constitutional state
'Rechtsstaat' and 'Rechtsstaatlichkeit' are closely related, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. A 'Rechtsstaat' is a constitutional state that acts according to fixed laws and protects citizens from arbitrary action. 'Rechtsstaatlichkeit' is the principle behind it: the state must abide by the law. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear together in political and legal texts. In practical terms: 'Rechtsstaat' refers more to the country or system, while 'Rechtsstaatlichkeit' refers to the rule or quality of that system.
Für eine Demokratie ist Rechtsstaatlichkeit besonders wichtig.
The rule of law is especially important for a democracy.
Der Rechtsstaat schützt die Bürger vor willkürlichen Entscheidungen.
The constitutional state protects citizens from arbitrary decisions.