State institutions alone cannot secure the rule of law. Also required is a culture of lawfulness – a culture in which the great majority is convinced that the rule of law offers the best long-term chance of securing their rights and attaining their goals. They believe that the rule of law is achievable and are committed to upholding it. In a culture of lawfulness, most people believe that living according to the rule of law (respecting the rights protected by law, fulfilling the duties codified by law) is the best way to serve both the public interest and their personal interest in the long term. They also strive to make the government itself follow the rule of law. A culture of lawfulness makes two fundamental contributions to democracy and human rights. First, citizens are empow

The rule of law is a system in which laws protect the rights of every member of society. The rule of law offers participation, fairness, and protection. It is perhaps the only political arrangement that guarantees a mechanism by which all citizens can secure their rights and pursue their interests. This system has at least three criteria: All members of society have the opportunity to participate in identifying and overseeing the implementation of the laws; Everyone is bound by these laws, including the ruler or government itself; and The laws protect the rights of every individual as well as the public interest of society. This definition provides a concrete set of criteria through which citizens can analyze their own society and others. In particular, it helps them distinguish rule of