All the way back to the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, the foundations of an independent judiciary, the separation of powers, punishment according to the law and a fair trial, were introduced for the protection of individual rights and holding the King to account. These foundations protected against arbitrary rule and ensured those in power were held accountable according to the law.

Australia’s foundations in a democracy under the rule of law are based upon the legacy of the Magna Carta. They rely on the ability of all people to have their say and to hold those in power to account.  

For democracy under the rule of law to survive, Australian students must have the understanding and tools to be active and informed citizens, who at times can criticise those in power and ensure they act according to the law. Australian students need to value the institutions and processes that provide checks and balances and avenues to raise concerns such as a free press, independent judiciary and parliamentary process and review.

And this is what we do at the Rule of Law Education Centre. We are the Champions of the Rule of Law and democracy in schools and in the community. We fill the gap that the government funded organisations cannot do, lest they bite the hand that feeds them.

We do this by

• • Creating education resources that provide an understanding of the rule of law in our democracy,
  • School excursions to courts, and
  • Provide commentary on breaches of the rule of law which fosters respectful debate.

The Rule of Law Education Centre was formed in 2015 and is an independent, politically non-partisan, gift deductible entity formed to educate Australians about the Magna Carta and Rule of Law.  The rule of law is above politics. In order to remain effective advocates for the rule of law, we must remain free to criticise both sides of politics when, in our assessment, they threaten the principles of the rule of law.