In 1963 the core of rule of law was defined by the Turkish Constitutional Court as:
- A State that respects human rights and establishes a just order of law whereby these rights are protected and maintained.
- All acts, actions and functions of such a state must be in conformity with law and the Constitution and are subject to judicial review. In a State bound by the principle of the rule of law, the law absolutely prevails over all institutions of the State, including the Legislature.