The "formal" interpretation is more widespread than the "substantive" interpretation. Formalists hold that the law must be prospective, well-known, and have characteristics of generality, equality, and certainty. Other than that, the formal view contains no requirements as to the content of the law. This formal approach allows laws that protect democracy and individual rights, but recognizes the existence of "rule of law" in countries that do not necessarily have such laws protecting democracy or individual rights. COUNT 5
QSN1 Which interpretation of the rule of law is used on a larger scale? ANS1 formal QSN2 According to the formalist approach, what else, besides democracy, can laws protect? ANS2 individual rights QSN3 According to the formalist approach, how much notoriety must a law have? ANS3 well-known QSN4 How many requirements for content are there for the rule of law under the formalist approach? ANS4 no requirements QSN5 Which interpretation of the rule of law is less commonly used? ANS5 substantive