WAEC Government 2010 Theory — Question 3

Model answer

A government can violate the rule of law by: (i) Arresting and detaining people without trial. (ii) Interfering in the activities and independence of the judiciary, such as by influencing or intimidating judges. (iii) Granting immunity from prosecution to certain public office holders (e.g. the President, Vice-President, Governors and their deputies) while in office, which violates the principle of equality before the law. (iv) Setting up special tribunals outside the regular court system to try individuals, bypassing due process. (v) Declaring a state of emergency and using it to curtail citizens' rights beyond what is necessary. (vi) Making retroactive laws that criminalize actions that were legal when they were committed.