What is the meaning and importance of the rule of law?

The rule of law may be best understood by contrasting it with despotism or anarchy [where decisions affecting persons or their property are not subject to the scrutiny of another impartial authority].

Legality and the impartiality of the judicial authority are the distinguishing features of a system under the rule of law.

The rule of law is not an automatic phenomenon of democracy. Instead, it is a very important supplement to the democratic procedure in every democracy when issues of liberty and equal rights are at stake.

Moreover, the more multicultural, the more multi-ethnic, the more multiconfessional a society is, the greater is its need to protect the rights of various groups vis-à-vis the interests of any majority that may come into being.

Privileges for minorities, or special rights for minorities, are not the way. Improving the standards of the rule of law.

Source: Teehankee, Jolio C. (2005). Liberalism: Aprimer. Published by National Institute For Policy Studies. Manila.