The 6 Criteria of the Rule of Law

The United States government oversees all police and fire departments across the country and funds their operations, keeping them effective to protect and serve citizens.

• Order and Security

• Legitimacy

• Checks and Balances

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

The Judicial Branch of Government (the courts) can rule a law unconstitutional even if it was signed and passed by the President and Congress.

• Order and Security

• Legitimacy

• Checks and Balances

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

All U.S. citizens accused of a crime are allowed to appear in court and are aware of any prison time placed against them after the hearing.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Checks and Balances

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

The President of the United States is expected to follow the same laws as everyday citizens.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

All United States citizens are allowed to vote once they reach the age of 18, meaning they are given a say in who will create and enforce laws in the country.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

All United States citizens are entitled the right to appear before a court and plea their case despite their race, gender, religious beliefs or other defining features.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that states must give everyone “the equal protection of the laws.”

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

The 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that people accused of a crime have the right to have a lawyer help them defend themselves. CHOOSE TWO.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Equal Application of the Law

• Procedural Fairness

The U.S. Constitution splits the government’s power between a legislative (Congress), an executive (President), and a judicial (Courts) branch.

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Checks and Balances

• Procedural Fairness

The U.S. Constitution says that nobody can be “deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.”

• Access to Justice

• Legitimacy

• Order and Security

• Checks and Balances

• Procedural Fairness