What is the rule of law?

The rule of law binds public power to law and protects rights through effective safeguards. Having many statutes is insufficient: predictability, independent courts, equality and review against arbitrariness matter together. Türkiye’s Constitution identifies the Republic as a state governed by law.

Core principles

1. Legally constrained government State powers require legal authority. Public interest does not authorize unlimited means. Competence and procedure matter alongside purpose. 2. Certainty and security People should reasonably anticipate legal consequences. Rules need accessibility and intelligibility. Legal security does not mean rules never change, but that change respects safeguards. 3. Equality Comparable situations should not be differentiated without justification. Equality does not require identical treatment in every case; objective, relevant differences may justify distinct arrangements.

Review and effective protection

4. Independent, impartial courts Independence provides institutional protection, while impartiality concerns handling the dispute. Reasoned judgments support understanding and appropriate review. 5. Proportionality Assessment considers suitability, necessity and the burden imposed. Achieving a desired result does not justify every restriction. Specific protections for the right also matter. 6. Everyday significance Permit refusals and sanctions illustrate the importance of legal basis, reasons and remedies. Challenges need appropriate procedure. Disliking a decision differs from establishing illegality through legal review; facts and records matter.