A synonym for law and order; the principle that requires that the powers of the state and its servants shall be derived from and limited either by legislation enacted by Parliament or a legislature, or judicial decisions taken by independent courts. Law by definition is a body of rules of general application. The rule of law is to be contrasted with "rule of man", or "the rule of force" which implies arbitrary, or autocratic governance by an individual or individuals not responsible to the people of the state.