Here we encounter an extremely important form-type, namely, that the very commander subordinates himself to the law which he has made. The moment his will becomes law, it attains objective character, and thus separates itself from its subjective-personal origin. As soon as the ruler gives the law as law, he documents himself, to this extent, as the organ of an ideal necessity.

XREF: Connects to rule of law vs. rule by will, constitutional theory, and the distinction between individual authority and institutional objectivity.

Georg Simmel, The Sociology of Georg Simm…, loc. 6590