Likewise, Aristotle endorsed the rule of law, writing that "law
should govern", and those in power should be "servants of the laws."The "formal" interpretation is more widespread than the "substantive"
interpretation, and formalists hold bicsi training that the law must be prospective,
well-known, and have characteristics of generality, equality, and
certainty. Other than that, the formal view contains no requirements as
to the content of the law.
This formal approach allows laws that protect democracy and individual
rights, but recognizes the existence of "rule of law" in countries that
do not necessarily have such laws 70-680 protecting democracy or individual
rights. The substantive interpretation holds that the rule of law
intrinsically protects some or all individual rights. The ancient concept of rule of law is to ccde be distinguished from rule by
law, according to political science professor Li Shuguang: "The
difference....is that under the rule of law the law is preeminent and
can serve as a check against the abuse of power. Under rule by law, the
law can serve as a mere tool for ccie a government that suppresses in a
legalistic fashion."An allusion to the rule of law applying to the Median kingdom
is found in the book of Daniel, where it is stated that not even that
king can arbitrarily alter a law he has previously enacted: