Rule of Law and its Evolution

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions related to the rule of law, its characteristics, historical evolution, and legal principles from the lecture notes.

Rule of Law

The principle that law should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials.

Positive Law

Laws that are created and enacted by governmental bodies, such as legislatures.

Evolutionary Theory of Law

The idea that the concept of rule of law develops over time through trial and error and societal advancements.

Time Honored Concepts

Long-standing principles that can be traced back to tribal, religious, or political customs.

Abstract Rules of Justice

General principles of justice that are flexible enough to adapt to societal changes but remain consistent in their core values.

Codified Law

The process of collecting and written laws into a comprehensive system, allowing for clarity and consistency in legal practice.

Cannon Law

A set of ordinances and regulations made by ecclesiastical authority for the governance of the Christian organization and its members.

Common Law

A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts, as opposed to codified statutes.

Norman Conquest of England

The 1066 invasion of England by William the Conqueror from France, which introduced significant changes to English law and governance.

Precedents

Past court cases that serve as examples or rules for future cases, guiding legal decisions based on previous judgments.