noun
constitutionalism; rule of law; legalism
A political principle emphasizing governance based on law and constitutional limits, often contrasted with arbitrary rule. In Japanese legal discourse, it may carry nuances of both 'rule of law' and 'constitutionalism'.
法治主義は近代国家の基本原則の一つだ。
The rule of law is one of the fundamental principles of a modern state.
この判決は法治主義に反すると批判された。
This ruling was criticized as being contrary to constitutionalism.
法治国家 refers to a state governed by the rule of law, while 法治主義 is the principle or doctrine itself.
法の支配 is a direct translation of 'rule of law' and is often used in modern legal contexts, whereas 法治主義 can also imply 'rule by law' or legalism, sometimes with a slightly more formal or traditional tone.
Compound of 法治 (rule of law) + 主義 (principle, doctrine). The term is a Meiji-era coinage based on Western legal concepts.