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.

---

due process of law British  

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of due process of law

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

due process of law

He said these immigrants were given due process of law because they were convicted of crimes and were given a “final order of removal.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2025

Thus a key Principle of our rule of law is that we must "respect, support, and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans" with fairness and due process of law.

From Salon ● Sep. 3, 2024

And it promised that all persons would be protected against deprivations of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

From Slate ● May 8, 2024

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

Show how injustice was worked by confining people without due process of law.

From The Short Constitution by William F. Russell