The Bulletin
Men's Weekly


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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”,...

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