A. V. Dicey: The Concept Of The Rule Of Law

The concept of rule of law (ROL) was made popular in the 19th century by a British jurist called A. V. Dicey. The rule of law can be defined as the legal principle that a nation should be governed by the law, instead of being governed by decisions of individual that are the government officials. Basically, the law is subjected to every person in the country, the law that exercises limitation upon one’s behaviour including those who serve as government officials. The law has the utmost power and influence within a society, not ranks and positions. The phrase is not new, it is known to be used since the 16th century and Samuel Rutherford, in his argument against the total powers and rights of monarchs had used this phrase. Rule of law implied that every person is subject to the law, including lawmakers, law enforcement officials, judges, and even kings. Which means, no man is above the law and everyone, regardless of his status and rank is considered a subject to ordinary laws. Thomas Fuller once said that “be you ever so high, the law is above you.” Dicey’s primary principle of law concerned the unrestricted powers and that no man shall be …show more content…
This is contrary to the principles of Rule of Law, where laws are supreme. Henry, who was the second Tudor monarch, is best known for his six marriages. However, a series of events that he was best remembered for were the chronologies of his efforts to have his first marriage, to Catherine of Aragon, annulled. Henry initiated the English Reformation, by separating the Church of England from papal authority and appointing himself as the Supreme Head of the church. This was led by his disagreement with the Pope in regards of his marriage annulment. Despite his resulting action of officially excluding himself from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church, Henry remained a believer in core Catholic theological