OPINION: America's unique rule of law
Meyer
We celebrate the day two and a half centuries ago that the Declaration of Independence was signed. In the years surrounding this event, the framers struggled with forming a government that was strong enough to be effective, but also one that respected individual freedoms and states’ rights. The rule of law was a concept that was not borne out of this struggle — it had existed for centuries before — but the principle was a crucial part of what led the colonists to break with England and form a new nation.
The rule of law is a concept that is difficult to define. John Adams is frequently quoted as saying “we are a government of laws and not men.” This means our government is based on laws that apply to everyone, regardless of their status, position, or wealth. We are not subject to the whims of the king or others in power. This is the bedrock on which this great nation was founded.
The rule of law does not apply only to individual citizens; it also applies to institutions and to the government. Throughout our individual histories, we have seen governments made unstable by factions, attacks, injustice, and other circumstances. We have seen inherently unstable governments topple. The reasons are myriad, but I am convinced that the rule of law provides the stability that has allowed this nation to thrive, to endure, and to lead. And if we protect and defend the rule of law, America will continue to endure.
Our founders recognized the dangers inherent in the unrestrained power of individuals and government. They developed a system of checks and balances to ensure that no person or branch of government amassed a dangerous amount of power that would lead to instability in the government itself.
The rule of law — that difficult-to-define concept — provides the very freedoms that we value as Americans. The freedom to speak our opinions, to worship in our own way, to vote for our leaders, and to come and go as we please, are as natural to us as breathing. What we must never forget is that the rule of law is the enemy to those who seek unchecked power. Our government is one of the people, by the people, and for the people. The people — all of us — must jealously guard the rule of law to ensure that this great nation endures for another 250 years and continues to be the shining city on the hill for the rest of the world.
• • •
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author.
Cynthia K.C. Meyer was appointed by Governor Brad Little in 2023 as the 60th justice of the Idaho Supreme Court. Previously, she served as a district judge in Idaho’s First Judicial District, chambered in Kootenai County. Justice Meyer was born and raised in Idaho and graduated from The College of Idaho with a B.A. in political science. She graduated from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah and practiced law in Utah and Idaho. She and her husband maintain their home in Coeur d’Alene.