Most legal theorists believe that the rule of law has purely formal characteristics, meaning that the law must be publicly declared, with prospective application, and possess the characteristics of generality, equality, and certainty, but there are no requirements with regard to the content of the law. Others, including a few legal theorists, believe that the rule of law necessarily entails protection of individual rights. Within legal theory, these two approaches to the rule of law are seen as the two basic alternatives, respectively labelled the formal and substantive approaches. Still, there are other views as well. Some believe that democracy is part of the rule of law. COUNT 5
QSN1 According to legal theorists, what characteristics must the rule of law have? ANS1 generality, equality, and certainty QSN2 According to some, what is the rule of law is formed to protect? ANS2 individual rights QSN3 What system of government is considered as a component of the rule of law? ANS3 democracy QSN4 According to some legal theorists, for what are there no requirements for something to be considered a law? ANS4 content QSN5 What are the two approaches to defining the concept of the rule of law? ANS5 formal and substantive