What does the term "due process" refer to?

The term "due process" refers to the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person. This principle is enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, ensuring that individuals are provided fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement in legal matters. Due process guarantees that laws are applied fairly and consistently, protecting individuals from arbitrary decisions and ensuring that legal proceedings are conducted according to established rules and principles.

This concept emphasizes the importance of fairness, legal protections, and adherence to the law, ensuring that all individuals have the right to a fair trial and the opportunity to present their side in legal disputes. By defining how the law is administered, due process acts as a safeguard against abuses of power by the state and helps uphold justice in society.