In today's society, the rule of law is regarded as the cornerstone of maintaining social order. However, it is not an isolated concept but rather supported by three closely interconnected elements: legitimacy, democracy, and human rights. The close relationship among these three pillars constructs a robust system of the rule of law but also raises many thought-provoking issues.
Firstly, legitimacy is the indispensable foundation of the rule of law. All sources of authority must be based on the norms of the law. If the exercise of power is not constrained by law, then the so-called rule of law will be nothing but empty rhetoric. However, behind certain abuses of power and institutional corruption, we often see a severe lack of legitimacy. Monopolization of power and disregard for the law make the pillars of the rule of law appear shaky, and the sense of justice in society is severely trampled upon.
Secondly, democracy as an element of the rule of law emphasizes the participation and supervision of the people in law and power. Democracy is not merely a race of elections but also a participation and expression of the people in public affairs. However, in some countries claiming to be democratic or practicing full-process democracy, we see the machinations and self-interest behind the democratic slogans. Fake elections and the monopolization of power make this pillar of the rule of law detestable. The core idea of the rule of law is to safeguard the rights of the people rather than become a tool for a few.
Lastly, human rights are the soul of the rule of law. The ultimate goal of the rule of law is to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals rather than turn the people into appendages of power machinery. However, in some countries, there are frequent instances of disregard for and violation of human rights. Political persecution and suppression of speech raise questions about whether such a legal system is protecting the people or absolving a few individuals' desires.
Legitimacy, democracy, and human rights are three indispensable components of the legal system, but it is precisely in the interweaving of these three that we see the flaws and imperfections of the legal system. Only by continuously strengthening the three pillars of the rule of law, eliminating the threats of power, and safeguarding the rights of the people, can we construct a truly powerful and just legal system. In this process, we need to not only examine the form of the rule of law but also deeply reflect on its essence to ensure that the rule of law remains a solid guardian of social justice and the rights of the people.
