noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
rule of law; constitutional government
Refers to governance based on established laws rather than arbitrary power. Often used in contrast with 人治 (rule by individuals).
法治国家では、誰もが法の下に平等である。
In a country governed by the rule of law, everyone is equal under the law.
法治主義は民主主義の基盤である。
The principle of the rule of law is the foundation of democracy.
constitutionalism; rule of law; legalism
constitutional state; country governed by the rule of law
law-abiding society; society governed by the rule of law
Compound of 法 (law) and 治 (govern). The concept is central to modern political thought and was adopted into Japanese during the Meiji era.