The Law is the Law isn't it?
top of page

The Law is the Law isn't it?

Allan Britton, PhD

Mar 21, 2023

Allan Britton, PhD

"The phrase "left or right, the law is the law" has been a hot debate among legal scholars and political analysts alike. The phrase underscores the importance of the rule of law and the need to follow it, regardless of one's political affiliations or ideological beliefs. This phrase implies that the law should be objective and equally apply to everyone, without biases or prejudices.


The rule of law is a fundamental principle of modern democratic societies. It is an idea that holds all individuals and institutions, including the government, accountable to the law. This principle ensures that laws are applied impartially, without any form of favouritism. It also prevents arbitrary actions by any entity, including the government.


However, the phrase "left or right, the law is the law" is under threat in many countries. Political polarization, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions have weakened the rule of law and eroded public trust in the justice system. In such circumstances, the phrase becomes even more critical in reminding people of the importance of upholding the rule of law and resisting any attempts to undermine it.


Furthermore, the phrase "left or right, the law is the law" emphasises the importance of separating political ideology from the law. The law should be based on objective principles and values, not on the political preferences of those in power. This principle is crucial in ensuring that the law is applied fairly and equally to everyone, regardless of their political affiliations or personal characteristics.


However, in practice, a political ideology often influences the law-making process, and laws are sometimes enacted based on political expediency rather than objective principles. This can lead to the abuse of power and the erosion of the rule of law. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and ensure that the law is not used as a tool to advance a particular political agenda.


The maxim "left or right, the law is the law" has sparked debates among legal scholars and political analysts. It highlights the significance of the rule of law and its application regardless of one's political affiliations or beliefs. This phrase emphasizes that the law should be objective and impartial, applying to all without any discrimination or biases. The rule of law is a fundamental principle in modern democratic societies, holding individuals and institutions accountable to the law, including the government. This principle ensures that laws are applied fairly and without any form of favouritism, preventing arbitrary actions by any entity, including the government.


However, the rule of law is under threat in many countries due to political polarization, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions. This has weakened the rule of law and eroded public trust in the justice system. In such circumstances, the phrase "left or right, the law is the law" becomes even more critical in reminding people of the importance of upholding the rule of law and resisting any attempts to undermine it.


The independence of the judiciary from the government is an essential component of the rule of law. It ensures that the judicial system remains free from political influence or interference, allowing judges to make impartial decisions based on the law and the facts of a case. This separation of powers is a vital safeguard against abuse of power by the government and is critical for maintaining the justice system's integrity.

However, the independence of the judiciary is only sometimes guaranteed, and various factors, such as political pressure, corruption, and lack of resources, can compromise it. The appointment and removal of judges can also be influenced by political considerations, affecting their ability to make impartial decisions. In some cases, governments have even attempted to undermine the judiciary's independence by removing judges seen as threatening their power.


To protect the independence of the judiciary, it is crucial to ensure that judges are appointed based on merit and have the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively. It is also essential to have transparent and accountable mechanisms for appointing and removing judges, ensuring that political considerations do not influence these processes.


The phrase "left or right, the law is the law" also emphasizes the importance of separating political ideology from the law. The law should be based on objective principles and values, not on the political preferences of those in power. This principle is critical in ensuring that the law is applied fairly and equally to everyone, regardless of their political affiliations or personal characteristics.


In practice, however, a political ideology often influences the law-making process, and laws are sometimes enacted based on political expediency rather than objective principles. This can lead to the abuse of power and the erosion of the rule of law. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and ensure that the law is not used as a tool to advance a particular political agenda.


To maintain the integrity of the legal system, it is crucial to ensure that laws are enacted based on objective principles and values. This requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society, and the public, in the law-making process. It also requires transparency and accountability in law-making, ensuring the public can access information about the decision-making process and the rationale behind the laws enacted.


The press plays a critical role in shaping public opinion about the importance of the rule of law and its adherence. The media's coverage of legal proceedings and the conduct of law enforcement officials and politicians can significantly impact how the public perceives the rule of law and its enforcement.


When the press is free and independent, it can hold those in power accountable for their actions and shine a light on any attempts to undermine the rule of law. By reporting on corruption, abuses of power, and human rights violations, the press can help expose these issues and raise public awareness about the need to uphold the rule of law.

However, when the press is not free or is subject to government censorship, it can be challenging to ensure that the public has access to accurate information about the state of the rule of law. In some cases, the media may be used as a tool to spread propaganda or misinformation, which can further erode public trust in the justice system and undermine the rule of law.


Moreover, the press's coverage of legal proceedings can shape public opinion about specific cases and the justice system as a whole. The media's portrayal of judges, lawyers, and defendants can influence how the public perceives the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.

In some cases, the media may also influence the outcome of legal proceedings by reporting on the case in a biased or prejudiced way. This can make it challenging to ensure that defendants receive a fair trial and that justice is served.


Overall, the press's impact on the statement "left or right, the law is the law" is significant. A free and independent press can help to uphold the rule of law by holding those in power accountable and reporting on legal proceedings impartially and accurately. On the other hand, a press that is subject to censorship or bias can undermine public trust in the justice system and make it challenging to ensure that the law is applied fairly and equally to everyone.


In conclusion, the maxim "left or right, the law is the law" is a reminder of the importance of the rule of law and its application regardless of one's political affiliations or beliefs. The rule of law is a fundamental principle in modern democratic societies, holding individuals and institutions accountable to the law, including the government. This principle ensures that laws are applied fairly and without any form of favouritism, preventing arbitrary actions by any entity, including the government. However, the rule of law is under threat in many countries due to political polarization, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions. It is, therefore, essential to be vigilant and ensure that the law is not used as a tool to advance a particular political agenda. Upholding the rule of law requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society, and the public, in the law-making process, transparent and accountable mechanisms for appointing and removing judges, and a free and independent press that can hold those in power accountable. Ultimately, the maxim "left or right, the law is the law" is a call to action for all individuals and institutions to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served without any discrimination or biases.


Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/openroadpr-1219066/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1017953">Carrie Z</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1017953">Pixabay</a>

bottom of page