Despite wide use by politicians, judges and academics, the rule of law has been described as "an exceedingly elusive notion". Among modern legal theorists, one finds that at least two principal conceptions of the rule of law can be identified: a formalist or "thin" definition, and a substantive or "thick" definition; one occasionally encounters a third "functional" conception. Formalist definitions of the rule of law do not make a judgment about the "justness" of law itself, but define specific procedural attributes that a legal framework must have in order to be in compliance with the rule of law. Substantive conceptions of the rule of law go beyond this and include certain substantive rights that are said to be based on, or derived from, the rule of law. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is another word for a thin definition? ANS1 formalist QSN2 What is another word for a thick definition? ANS2 substantive QSN3 Who commonly, or at least attempt to, abide by the rule of law? ANS3 politicians, judges and academics QSN4 On what do aspects of the rule of law do formalist definitions focus? ANS4 specific procedural attributes QSN5 What is the third and lesser referred to approach on defining the rule of law? ANS5 functional