Due Process Of Law Definition and Legal Meaning

n. A basic principle of fairness which is applied in all legal matters in the courts, including criminal and civil matters. In order for prejudicial or unequal treatment not to occur, all legal procedures set by statute and court practice must be followed for each individual. While a bit imprecise, the term is gauged by its intention to safeguard private and public rights against unfairness. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees due process, providing for “”No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” and is applied to all states by the 14th Amendment. Legal decisions that determine procedural and substantive rights flow from this basic principle.