The 5th and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution both play crucial roles in guaranteeing "due process of law." The 5th Amendment, ratified in 1791, ensures that no person shall be "held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury," and that no individual can be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This establishes a foundation for protecting individuals from arbitrary government actions and requires legal proceedings to follow established rules and standards.
Similarly, the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, extends the guarantee of due process to actions taken by state governments. It states that "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This means that both federal and state governments must respect individual rights and adhere to fair procedures in legal matters.
Together, these amendments ensure that individuals are afforded adequate legal protections and fair processes, which are essential principles for maintaining a just legal system. Due process serves to prevent arbitrary decisions and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to defend themselves and that laws are fairly applied.