We often talk about the importance of the ‘rule of law'. It is a key concept in any properly developed democratic society. But it is much more than conceptual. It is deeply practical.

The law underpins everything we do. Day-to-day, this is often easily forgotten. For the rule of law to work in practice, people must have confidence it will be fairly and consistently applied, that it is accessible – regardless of background, creed or wealth – and that the judgements of those who manage and oversee it can be properly enforced.