What does "due process" ensure in legal proceedings?

Due process ensures fair treatment under the law, which is a fundamental principle of the legal system. It is designed to protect individuals from arbitrary or unfair actions by the government in legal proceedings. This principle is rooted in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Due process encompasses a variety of rights, including the right to a fair trial, the right to be heard, and the right to present evidence. It mandates that legal proceedings follow established rules and that individuals be given notice of legal actions against them. This ensures that justice is administered fairly and that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are treated equally in the eyes of the law. Essentially, due process is critical for maintaining public confidence in the legal system and upholding individual rights.