A new guide aimed at improving public understanding of the rule of law has been launched by a group of communications professionals from international organisations and networks working on human rights across Europe.
Entitled The Rule of Law and Why It Matters – Explained, the publication seeks to make the often complex and abstract concept of the rule of law more accessible to wider audiences. The initiative brings together European experts who aim to explain the practical significance of the rule of law and why it remains fundamental to democratic societies.
The initiative comes amid growing concern about challenges to the rule of law in Europe and beyond. According to the Council of Europe, many of the major political and social crises witnessed in recent years can be understood as crises of the rule of law, reflecting increasing pressure on legal institutions and democratic safeguards worldwide.
The Council of Europe notes that such challenges have manifested in a variety of ways, including attempts to influence courts, arbitrary judicial decisions, perceived impunity for those in positions of authority, attacks on the principle that public officials are subject to the law, and the use of legal processes to target political opponents. These developments, it argues, have contributed to declining public confidence in democratic institutions and governance.
The guide seeks to address what its authors identify as a gap in public understanding. While many people benefit from the protections offered by the rule of law, they may either take those protections for granted or lack a clear understanding of the concept itself. The publication therefore aims to explain the rule of law in clear and practical terms, demonstrating its relevance to everyday life.
At its core, the guide defines the rule of law as the principle that the law governs society and applies equally to everyone. It describes the rule of law as a safeguard for justice, accountability and democratic governance, ensuring that public authorities exercise their powers within legal limits and that individuals enjoy the protection of their rights and freedoms.
The Council of Europe emphasises that the rule of law is not merely a legal concept but a cornerstone of democratic society. By promoting greater public understanding of its meaning and importance, the guide seeks to strengthen awareness of the role that legal institutions play in protecting human rights, maintaining accountability and preserving public trust in democratic systems.
Click here to view the guide, “The Rule of Law and Why It Matters – Explained”