Based on the Constitution, what does “equal protection of the law” mean in the Fourteenth Amendment?
1 answer
The phrase "equal protection of the law" in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution means that all individuals must be treated equally under the law. It states that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws. This means that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other classification, are entitled to the same rights and protections afforded by the law. This clause has been used to challenge discriminatory laws and practices that treat certain groups unfairly or unequally. It provides the basis for ensuring equal treatment and preventing discrimination in various aspects of life, including education, employment, housing, and criminal justice.