The rule of law is the most important political ideal today, yet there is much confusion about what it means
and how it works. This book explores the history, politics, and theory surrounding the rule of law ideal, beginning
with classical Greek and Roman ideas, elaborating on medieval contributions to the rule of law, and articulating
the role played by the rule of law in liberal theory and liberal political systems. The author outlines the concerns
of Western conservatives about the decline of the rule of law and suggests reasons why the radical Left have promoted
this decline. Two basic theoretical streams of the rule of law are then presented, with an examination of the strengths
and weaknesses of each. The book examines the rule of law on a global level, and concludes by answering the question
of whether the rule of law is a universal human good.
Is the only book to offer a comprehensive exploration of the rule of law: examines the major theories of the
rule of law, and in particular their origins in historical and political traditions
Theoretically sophisticated yet written in a style that is accessible to readers with no theoretical background
The subject of the book, the rule of law, is a universally accepted political ideal, and is of great relevance
to contemporary affairs
Table of Contents
1. Classical origins
2. Medieval roots
3. Liberalism
4. Locke, Montesquieu, the Federalist papers
5. Consrvatives warn
6. Rradical left encourages decline
7. Formal theories
8. Substantive theories
9. Three themes
10. International level
11. A universal human good?
