What term describes the principle that the law applies equally to all individuals?

The principle that the law applies equally to all individuals is known as the rule of law. This concept emphasizes that the law should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials. The rule of law ensures that all people, regardless of status, are treated equally under the law and that legal processes are conducted transparently and fairly.

This principle is foundational to any democratic society, as it upholds the idea that laws must be applied consistently and impartially. The rule of law also acts as a safeguard against the misuse of power, ensuring that legal statutes are applied evenly across the populace. In practice, it supports the notion that no one is above the law, thereby promoting justice and accountability.

While the other terms are related to fairness and justice in the legal system, they do not encapsulate the principle of equal applicability of law to all individuals as directly as the rule of law does. For instance, due process refers specifically to the legal procedures that must be followed to ensure fair treatment, equal protection focuses on the right to be treated equally under the law, and justice generally refers to the broader concept of fairness in legal systems.