Final answer:
Caroline Kennedy's quotation underscores the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law within a democracy, ensuring that decisions are made based on the law rather than political pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Caroline Kennedy's quotation reveals that the rule of law implies the existence of an independent judiciary. The statement suggests that judges must make decisions independently of political pressures or trends, ensuring that the law is applied fairly and impartially without bias towards any political party or agenda. This independence is crucial in maintaining a democracy, as it prevents the judicial system from being swayed by transient political forces and upholds the constitution as the supreme law.
An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of the rule of law because it guarantees that everyone is accountable under the law, including government officials, and reinforces the principle that no one is above the law. By having judges who are not influenced by political considerations, an independent judiciary helps prevent the unequal or disparate administration of justice. While personal beliefs and political attitudes can affect decision-making, the principle of judicial independence aims to minimize such influences to protect the integrity of the legal system.