The origin and formation of the German idea of the rule of law in the 19th century

Abstract

In this research paper, we discuss in more detail the origin and formation of the German idea of the rule of law (Rechtsstaat), which goes back to the thought of Immanuel Kant. Kant’s work was subsequently critically followed by German theorists throughout the 19th century. We capture the most important opinions of these authors and briefly show how their theories have contributed to the formation of the idea of the rule of law, not only in German legal science.