WAEC Civic Education 2024 Theory — Question 7

Model answer

(a) Rule of law means the principle of democracy that emphasizes supremacy of law, equality before the law, observance of human rights and absence of arbitrariness in governance. (b) Conditions that can enhance adherence to the principles of rule of law in a democracy: (i) The law must be respected by all the citizens/entities/institutions/government. (ii) Laws must be adequately publicized/awareness creation. (iii) Enforcement of adequate sanctions/punishment on violators of the law. (iv) All accused persons must be given the opportunity to defend themselves in court/prosecution (exercise of right of fair hearing). (v) There must be no retrospective or retroactive application of law. (vi) Law enforcement agents must follow due process in investigation and prosecution. (vii) Members of the public must be human right conscious/vigilant. (viii) The judiciary must be free and independent of other organs of government. (ix) Freedom of the press.