Final answer:
The Rule of Law ensures all entities are subject to and accountable under the law, which must be clear, publicized, stable, and fair. The four underlying principles are accountability, just laws, open government, and accessible & impartial dispute resolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rule of Law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are:
- Publicly promulgated
- Equally enforced
- Independently adjudicated
- And consistent with international human rights principles.
According to the World Justice Project, the four underlying principles of the Rule of Law include:
- Accountability: Both government officials and private actors are accountable under the law.
- Just laws: Laws must be clear, publicized, stable, and apply evenly. They should protect fundamental rights, like property and core human rights.
- Open government: The processes by which laws are enacted, administered, and enforced must be open, fair, and efficient.
- Accessible & impartial dispute resolution: Justice is delivered in a timely manner by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are accessible, have adequate resources, and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve.