“A nation of laws” means that laws, not people, rule. Everyone is to be governed by the same laws, regardless of their station; whether it is the most common American or Members of Congress, high-ranking bureaucrats or the President of the United States; all must be held to the just laws of America.
The United States of America: 'A Nation ... - The Patriot Post
patriotpost.us/commentary/26902

Who gives a shit if the law sucks? Look at the negative reactions that Chelsie Manning, Edward Snowden, and so many other whistle blowers received from both the media and general public. Speaking truth to power does not trump (sorry) "legality." In Japan, marijuana was made illegal by McArthur after the war. From then, it became law and anyone who violates it will suffer years of incarceration. Why? We are "a nation of laws."

Leak documents that show your government has been spying on you for years and what is the result? Thousands who clamor for locking up the one who spoke truth to power. Why? We are "a nation of laws."