<P> The doctrine of the rule of law dictates that government must be conducted according to law . This was first established by British legal theorist A.V. Dicey . </P> <P> Dicey identified three essential elements of the British Constitution which were indicative of the rule of law: </P> <Ol> <Li> Absolute supremacy of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power; </Li> <Li> Equality before the law; </Li> <Li> The Constitution is a result of the ordinary law of the land . </Li> </Ol> <Li> Absolute supremacy of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power; </Li>

Body of law that regulates individual conduct and is enforced by the state and national governments