What principle asserts that no individual is above the law within a constitutional framework?

The principle that asserts that no individual is above the law within a constitutional framework is known as the Rule of Law. This fundamental concept underpins the legal system by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status or position, are subject to the law. In a society governed by the Rule of Law, laws are transparent, publicized, and apply equally to all members, thus safeguarding against arbitrary governance and abuse of power.

The Rule of Law is essential for the protection of civil rights and guarantees that legal processes are followed consistently. It fosters stability and predictability in the legal system, allowing individuals to understand their rights and obligations under the law. This principle also embodies the idea that the law should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by the decisions of individual government officials.

In contrast, judicial independence relates to the separation of powers and ensures that judges are free from external influences, which, while important, does not directly assert that no individual is above the law. Parliamentary privilege refers to the special rights and immunities that allow legislators to perform their duties without interference, which does not encapsulate the broader concept of legal equality. Lastly, federalism describes the division of powers between various levels of government, which also does not directly address the principle that all