The Rule of Law as an organizing principle for a nation includes the following:
Laws are the foundation of a civilized society
In order for a nation to function in a civilized and effective way, there must be rules of conduct. All citizens are bound by these rules for the greater good. This principle is known as the Rule of Law and ensures that we are a nation of laws, not of men.
Fair, transparent and impartial adjudication
Legal disputes are resolved through a fair and impartial process. It ensures that judges are independent, unbiased, and free from external influence.
Accountability Under the Law
Everyone, including government officials, is accountable under the law. This ensures that no one is above the law and that all actions, public or private, are subject to legal scrutiny.
Equality before the law
All individuals, regardless of their status or position, are subject to the same laws and entitled to equal rights under the law.
Separation of Powers
The division of governmental powers into separate branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) is essential to prevent the concentration of power in one entity. Each branch of our government has distinct responsibilities and serves as a check on the others.
Our Latest Statements
The Supreme Court’s “Shadow Docket” Is Testing the Rule of Law
Last summer a federal judge halted ICE raids in Los Angeles, finding that the U.S. had been detaining citizens and non-citizens alike based on race or ethnicity in violation of the U.S. Constitution. In a 52-page ruling, he cited “a mountain of evidence” from both...
Elections in Georgia: Why They Can Be Trusted
The nationalizing of state elections is contrary to the U.S. Constitution and poses a significant threat to foundations of the rule of law. President Trump has stated that the U.S. election system is riddled with fraud and that significant numbers of undocumented...
The Rule of Law and Our Democratic Form of Government Are Under Attack
The collective actions of the Trump Administration during its first year in office threaten both the Rule of Law and our democratic form of government. The Administration has embarked on a concerted and well-planned strategy to unify power in the Executive, bypassing...
Ten Things Lawyers Can Agree On
- To protect their lives, liberty, and property, all Americans and their businesses and other organizations need access to independent courts where their disputes can be resolved peacefully based on the Rule of Law.
- The Rule of Law means that disputes are decided solely on the facts and the law — not on a litigant’s power, popularity, or wealth.
- Judges must be able to follow the Rule of Law without fear of or favoritism toward the litigants involved–even when one of the litigants is the government or a government official.
- A litigant that loses its case in court is entitled to criticize the ruling and to appeal if an appeal is available–but it cannot defy the ruling.
- Courts are a separate branch of government and not aligned with any political party.
- Spreading lies or distortions about the factual or legal grounds for a judge’s decision undermines the Rule of Law, particularly when the intent or effect is to intimidate judges.
- Threats, violence, or “doxing” against judges, their families, or court staff is never acceptable.
- Everyone in America has the right to have their lawyer advocate for them, including to assert their legal rights against government actions that affect them, their businesses, and their organizations.
- No government should punish, threaten, or retaliate against lawyers for advocating for their clients.
- Lawyers take an oath to support the Constitution and thus have an obligation to defend the Rule of Law, the independence of the judiciary, and the right to counsel.This obligation includes the responsibility to oppose actions that undermine these bedrock principles of the American justice system.
Join Us
We are building a coalition of Georgia attorneys who are committed to the Rule of Law. Please fill out the form if you would like to be part of our initiative to preserve the Rule of Law.
Contact Us
Do you have questions or need to speak with GLRL? Email info@georgialawyersfortheruleoflaw.org, and we'll get back to you as soon as we are able.