due process of law

American  

[doo pros-es uhv law] / ˈdu ˈprɒs ɛs əv ˈlɔ /

noun

1. the regular administration of the law, according to which no individual may be denied their legal rights and all laws must conform to fundamental, accepted legal principles, such as the right of the accused to confront their accusers.

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due process of law British  

noun

1. the administration of justice in accordance with established rules and principles

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due process of law Cultural  

1. The principle that an individual cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards. The Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution guarantee that any person accused of a crime must be informed of the charges, be provided with legal counsel, be given a speedy and public trial, enjoy equal protection of the laws, and not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, unreasonable searches and seizures, double jeopardy, or self-incrimination.

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Etymology

Origin of due process of law

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Immigrants, it noted, are entitled “to due process of law in the context of removal proceedings,” a fact that the court unanimously affirmed in a related case six weeks ago.

From Slate • May 16, 2025

They alleged that the government had violated his right to due process of law and provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and federal habeas corpus law.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2025

But his focus on due process of law and the right to a habeas corpus hearing had several advantages.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

Carlos Samour, one of three justices who dissented, argued the government could not "deprive someone of the right to hold public office without due process of law".

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2023

He knew that, no matter how guilty men might be, under the civilization of a century, punishment was to be visited only under due process of law.

From The Crime of the Century or, The Assassination of Dr. Patrick Henry Cronin by Hunt, Henry M.