Rule by decree: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Decree may be also a technical term used in the legal proceedings of certain democratic countries.

Rule by decree is a style of governance used mostly by dictators.

Rule by decree allows the ruler to arbitrarily make laws, without any sort of legislative process or discussion. Literally whatever the leader says is law, becomes law. When no formal government institutions exist or martial law is in effect, rule by decree is common

Arguably the most prominent example in history is the Reichstag Fire Decree, in which German President Paul von Hindenburg decreed that freedom of speech and freedom of assembly could be suspended indefinitely.

Some democratic leaders, such as the presidents of Mexico have the constitutional authority to issue emergency decrees, as well. Other modern political concepts, such as the French decrees, British orders in council and American executive orders are partially based on this notion of decrees, although far more limited in scope, and generally subject to judicial review.