Legal Definitions - equality before the law

Equality before the law means that everyone should be treated fairly according to established rules of justice. This includes the idea that:

• All people are subject to the same laws and court systems
• Government officials and others in power must follow the law like everyone else
• Judges must be impartial and independent when interpreting and enforcing the law

For example, if someone breaks the law, they should be punished regardless of their social status, wealth, or connections. This means that a wealthy person should not be able to avoid punishment just because they have money, and a government official should not be able to break the law without consequences.

Another example is that everyone has the right to a fair trial. This means that the judge and jury must be unbiased and make decisions based on the evidence presented in court, not on personal opinions or prejudices.

Overall, equality before the law is an important principle that ensures that everyone is held accountable for their actions and treated fairly in the eyes of the law.