Theories on the rule of law

Abstract

“Rule of law”, “rule of law principle”, “state based on rule of law” are common terms used in jurisprudence in Vietnam and all over the world. However, in different context, there are different understandings and explanations for these terms, which, in a way, blurs the core value of them, leading to the situations in which the applying “rule of law” could not express the development of mankind. In these three terms, “rule of law” is the core concept as well as the basis to understand the two others. From analyzing a variety of theories in practice, including formalist theory, substantive theory and the integrity theory, the article clarifies the content of “rule of law” concept as known in the world.