New York Times article on Italy and the rule of law

Political science students, constitutional lawyers, human rights activists and politicians of emerging democracies often use "the rule of law" in their vocabulary. Its meaning is essentially "there are rules as defined by law" as it relates to personal protection from arbitrary abuses of power, e.g. search and seizure, imprisonment and summary execution, or kidnap and rape, carried out by "the government" or individuals. Its meaning encompass a judicial system interpreting the rules, e.g. trials to prosecute perpetrators, recourse to sue individuals or "the government" for any intrusions, and courts and courts of appeal. Now, it's interesting to read the New York Times about the lack of rule of law in a developed, industrial country. Read an article on Italy, "Breaking All the Rules, With a Shrug and a Sigh" by reporter Ian Fisher. A quotation: "The shrugged shoulder is real, a daily reminder here that part of Italy’s charm rests in the fact that it does not much care for rules. Italians can be downright poetic about it, this inclination to dodge taxes, to cut lines, to erect entire neighborhoods without permits or simply to run red lights, while smoking or talking on the phone."