"No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it"

The principle articulated by Theodore Roosevelt underscores the essence of the rule of law in a just society. Law must stand as a universal standard, neither elevating the powerful nor oppressing the powerless. When Roosevelt asserts that no man is above the law, he insists on the accountability of all individuals, regardless of status, wealth, or influence. There is a rejection of impunity: leaders and ordinary citizens alike must face the same consequences for their actions. Corruption, abuse of authority, and favoritism undermine societal trust precisely because people perceive that some stand above the rules meant to govern all. Upholding the integrity of the law counters these dangers and preserves equality before justice.

Equally important is the notion that no one is “below” the law. This phrase rejects the idea that people on the margins, by reason of poverty, class, or social standing, are outside the circle of legal protection. The poorest and most vulnerable must be as secure in their legal rights as the most privileged. Law cannot be a weapon wielded only by those with resources; genuine justice upholds the dignity and rights of every individual. As with the powerful, the rights and liberties of the least powerful are affirmed by their inclusion beneath the law’s protection.

Roosevelt’s third point, regarding permission, is a statement about the authority inherent in the law itself. There is no need to secure consent from those subject to the law before enforcing its demands. The legitimacy of law arises from its foundation in the collective will and ethical framework of society, not the individual whims or preferences of those bound by it. Obedience to the law is not a favor or discretionary grant; it is a civic expectation that binds all, preventing arbitrary rule and personal exemption. In sum, Roosevelt captures the ideal of justice as impartial, unyielding, and a guarantor of mutual respect among equals.