Law is an important part of civil society and plays a vital role in protecting and promoting human rights. It also shapes politics, economics, and history. Ultimately, law serves as a mediator between people. It should be accessible to all people, be available to settle disputes, and prevent abuses of power. The Rule of Law is based on certain principles that are universally recognized.
One type of law is religious law, which is explicitly based on religious precepts. Examples include Jewish Halakha and Islamic Sharia. Christian canon law also survives in some church communities. Though religion is often used as a source of law, it requires human elaboration and interpretation to produce a comprehensive system of rules. In Islam, for example, the Quran contains some law, and it acts as a source for further law through analogy, interpretation, and consensus.
The Rule of Law is a foundational principle of modern government. It is essential for a society to have a representative government and equal protection under the law. The courts are a crucial part of maintaining equality before the law. They hear the grievances of people of different races and religious faiths, and they may also hear both sides of a controversy in court.
Rule of Law is a concept that has long been a fundamental ideal in political traditions. However, modern understandings of the Rule of Law cannot be properly evaluated without understanding its historical heritage.