The Rule of Law

The rule of law has been democracy’s silent partner for so long that there is a real concern that the phrase has lost its meaning for many.  Because developments around the world have exposed the risk of taking the rule of law for granted, the OBA wants to ensure that the people of Ontario are better prepared to recognize and protect it as an essential element of our daily lives.

Starting in April 2026, the OBA, The Chief Justice of Ontario and lawyers across the province joined organizations in their communities to help ensure that “rule of law” moves from an abstract shorthand for lawyers to a meaningful watchword for us all with presentations for community leaders that highlight the ways the rule of law underpins our democracy and virtually every aspect of the day-to-day lives of Ontarian. 

Past Rule of Law Community Sessions

Building on the strong momentum and response from the OBA's Rule of Law community sessions, the OBA has developed an interactive presentation and custom rule of law game, called "Law Ball" that is being played in Ontario high schools as a way to help young people understand not just what the rule of law is, but how it might play out if it didn't exist. 

The goal of this program is to encourage students to see the rule of law as something that actively protect their rights, their opportunities and their ability to participate in democracy - not just a concept in civics class.

And then list the following sessions: