What concept helps determine if a particular law supports freedom?

The rule of law is the concept that helps determine if a particular law supports freedom by emphasizing that laws should govern a nation, not individual government officials. This principle ensures that laws are applied consistently and fairly to all individuals, thereby protecting individual rights and liberties.

By maintaining that no one is above the law, the rule of law upholds the idea that laws should be transparent, stable, and just, enabling citizens to understand their rights and obligations. This fosters an environment where individual freedoms can flourish because citizens can rely on the legal system to protect them from arbitrary governance.

In contrast, the social contract focuses on the theoretical agreement between individuals and their government regarding the rights and responsibilities of both parties, while positive law references laws that have been formally enacted. The principle of justice pertains to fairness and moral rightness, but it's more of a guiding ethos than a structural principle for evaluating the consistency and application of laws. The rule of law is the most relevant framework for assessing whether laws genuinely support freedom.