[Abcdefg]

". . . ruled that the Democrat Party can place anyone they wished on the ballot, in deference to the rule of law.

From Marriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (online):

Main Entry: def·er·ence
Pronunciation: 'de-f&-r&n(t)s, 'def-r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1660
: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or
ingratiating regard for another's wishes
synonym see HONOR
- in deference to : in consideration of

[vannrox]

"... From Marriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (online):

Main Entry: def·er·ence
Pronunciation: 'de-f&-r&n(t)s, 'def-r&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 1660
: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes synonym
see HONOR
- in deference to : in consideration of ..."

That's not how I meant it. Thanks for the correction. I meant to say "...in opposition to the deference to the law...". However, they did actually rule that the substitution was in deference to the law, now didn't they. Hum...