What does "Rule of Law" imply?

The concept of the "Rule of Law" fundamentally asserts that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced. This principle ensures that everyone, regardless of their status—be it an ordinary citizen or a government official—is held to the same legal standards. This serves to protect against arbitrary governance and power abuse, highlighting the importance of equality before the law.

In a society governed by the rule of law, laws are not merely instruments of those in power; instead, they establish a framework that promotes justice and fairness. This understanding fosters public confidence in the legal system and encourages active participation in governance, as citizens can trust that their rights will be respected and upheld.

In contrast, the other options present notions that do not align with the principle of the rule of law. Interpretative subjectivity, selective accountability of top officials, or circumstantial flexibility of law undermine the core ideals of fairness, stability, and equality inherent in a system founded on the rule of law.