The concept of the rule of law has been around for centuries. Aristotle and others wrote on the subject, and medieval theorists sought to separate despotic from lawful forms of kingship. These discussions continued throughout the early modern period, the European Enlightenment, and the modern era.
Legal issues can arise for many reasons. These may include problems at work, family issues, or being accused of a crime. Other common legal concerns can include immigration, consumer rights, and problems with money and debt. Government and court websites are excellent resources for general information about the law and legal issues. They also offer extensive information about a wide range of topics, from the criminal justice system to young people’s rights.
Regulations are another major area of law. These govern how public services and utilities are managed. Water law, for example, is a prime example. Privatisation has taken many services out of public hands, but private companies have been bound to some degree of social responsibility. Most OECD countries regulate their energy, gas, and telecomms industries.
A rule of law is an ideal that should guide the operation of society and ensure that law is widely known. In a Rule of Law society, laws are promulgated long before individual responsibility arises. This means that people can easily learn about the laws and use them as a framework.