Legal Literacy- Explore the essence of the Rule of Law Theory and the Theory of Justice in this article. Learn how the concept of the rule of law underscores the importance of the supremacy of law in a country, while the Theory of Justice details efforts to achieve equality and social justice. Discover the views of leading figures and a comparison of these two theories to enrich your understanding of the legal structure and principles of justice in the context of modern society

Rule of Law Theory

Indonesia, as stated in its constitution, has agreed to become a democratic and sovereign state of law in the administration of its constitutional life. Currently, most countries in the world declare themselves as countries of law as well as democracies. As a terminology, the words "rule of law" or "democracy," although difficult to define holistically, have distinctive characteristics (elements). The term "rule of law" is often equatedwith the words rechtstaat and the rule of law. Dicey in his book Introduction to the Study of the Law and the Constitution, puts forward three elements of the principle of the rule of law, namelyabsolute supremacy of law,
  1. as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power and overriding arbitrary rulers, prerogatives or any broad discretion by the government; equality before the law
  2. , that is, equality for all people (classes) before the law administered by the government or the courts; anddue process of law
  3. , that is, all state actions must be based on law and no action may be taken without a legal basis.Meanwhile, according to
The International Commission of Jurists, three important characteristics that are considered the essence of the rule of law are, first, the state must be subject to the law; second, the government respects individual rights; and third, an independent and impartial judiciary. Long before, in ancient Greece, at the conceptual level, Plato stated “Law was seen as a means by which to rule, rather than a constraint on the King”, Plato further said “… the law should be the master of the government to restrain potential despots”. In line with Plato, Thomas Paine said “For as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no otherFor as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other