THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW IN ADMINISTRATIVE JUDICIARY: THEORETICAL DOCTRINE AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

The article reveals the concept of the rule of law as a fundamental principle of administrative justice in Ukraine. It defines that the rule of law forms the normative, ethical, and procedural foundation of public authority, ensuring that state actions comply with the law and protect human rights. The study combines theoretical analysis of the doctrine with a description of practical mechanisms for its implementation in the field of administrative justice. The key elements of the principle are identified: legality, legal certainty, proportionality, access to justice, independence of the judiciary, and accountability of state authorities. It is shown that administrative justice acts as an institutional guarantor of human rights, provides control over the legality of executive decisions, and fosters a culture of legal responsibility. The importance of judicial reasoning, procedural fairness, and transparency of proceedings as tools for strengthening public trust in the judiciary is emphasized. It is highlighted that the digitalization of judicial procedures, openness of case materials, and development of communication tools between courts and citizens contribute to the efficiency of law enforcement. It is argued that the practical implementation of the rule of law in Ukraine depends on the interaction of three factors: a stable regulatory framework, the professional culture of judges, and the activity of civil society. The article concludes that the rule of law is not a declarative slogan but an effective criterion for the quality of public governance, defining the limits of state power, strengthening the legitimacy of the judicial system, and forming the foundations of a legal state in the context of democratic transformation.