The rule of law is fundamental to a free society - so why don't NZ courts always uphold it? ![](https://www.tradebriefs.com/images/onedollar.jpeg)
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Ever since the 17th century, the rule of law has been regarded as one of the fundamental values of a free society. It means you cannot be forced to do something unless there is a law requiring you to do it. It also means people in power can coerce you only if there is a rule justifying it. This is the opposite of the “rule of persons”, in which the rulers have arbitrary power: they have the authority to force you to do things simply because they think those things should be done.
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