AF101

American Facts 101

History and civics

Glossary term

Due Process

Constitutional guarantee that the government cannot deprive a person of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.

Historical context

Due process of law is application by the state of all legal rules and principles pertaining to a case so all legal rights that are owed to a person are respected. Due process balances the power of law of the land and protects the individual person from it.