rule of law
    n 1: a state of order in which events conform to the law

	

	RULE OF LAW. Rules of law are general maxims, formed by the courts, who 
having observed what is common to many particular cases, announce this 
conformity by a maxim, which is called a rule; because in doubtful and 
unforeseen cases, it is a rule for their decision; it embraces particular 
cases within general principles. Toull. Tit. prel. n. 17; 1 Bl. Com. 44; 
Domat, liv. prel. t. 1, s. 1 Ram on Judgm. 30; 3 Barn. & Adol. 34;  2 Russ. 
R. 216, 580, 581; 4 Russ. R. 305; 10 Price's R. 218, 219, 228; 1 Barn. & Cr. 
86; 7 Bing. R. 280; 1 Ld. Raym. 728; 5 T. R. 5; 4 M. & S. 348. See Maxim.