The rule of law is fundamental to a free society – so why don’t NZ courts always uphold it?
- Written by Allan Beever, Professor of Law, Auckland University of Technology
Ever since the 17th century, the rule of law has been regarded as one of the fundamental values of a free society. It means you cannot be forced to do something unless there is a law requiring you to do it.
It also means people in power can coerce you only if there is a rule justifying it. This is the opposite of the “rule of persons”,...