Lex Rex - The Law Is King

Bottom Line Up Front: We will restore the rule of law by demanding all Colorado regulations and orders have firm grounding in enacted law and constitutional authority. We’ll strengthen legislative oversight of executive agencies, repeal laws that grant unchecked power, and ensure no Coloradan – including those in power – is above the law. By reasserting Lex Rex, we protect the humble citizen from tyranny and preserve ordered liberty.

a. Biblical & Historical Foundations: Lex Rex is Latin for “the law is king.” This principle, championed by Reverend Samuel Rutherford in the 1600s, proclaims that no man is above the law – not even kings or governors. It aligns with the Bible’s teaching that rulers must uphold justice under God’s Law (Deuteronomy 17:18–20 describes the king writing God’s Law and obeying it). The Founders embraced rule of law after suffering under arbitrary monarchs. John Adams enshrined in our earliest state constitution that we seek “a government of laws and not of men.” Under Lex Rex, written laws – not the whims of officials – govern the people, ensuring fairness and liberty.

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b. Constitutional Originalism: The U.S. Constitution itself is the supreme law of the land, and under Article VI, every official is bound by oath to obey it. Originalism demands that we follow the Constitution’s text as written – the law as king – rather than allowing judges or executives to impose personal views. “Lex Rex” means the Constitution (and duly enacted statutes consistent with it) rules, and no one is exempt. Our system’s checks and balances and separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) were designed “to the end it may be a government of laws and not of men.” We will insist that Colorado officials adhere strictly to the Constitution’s limits and that no officeholder treats themselves as above the law.

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c. Colorado Policy Conflicts: Unfortunately, in Colorado we have seen instances of “Rex Lex” (the king is law) – officials acting as if their decrees outrank the law. During recent emergencies, we witnessed executives issue sweeping mandates of dubious legality, bypassing the legislative process. For example, unilateral public health orders and emergency edicts have restricted citizens’ freedoms without clear statutory authority. We’ve also seen legislators push legally questionable bills (later struck down by courts) in zeal to impose policies. These actions violate Lex Rex.