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

Quoting an earlier case, he noted, “’The fundamental requisite of due process of law is the opportunity to be heard.’”

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

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

The 14th Amendment protects a range of rights, and among them is the right to due process of law.

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2024

"We have complete faith in the due process of law and remain confident of the quality of our disclosures and corporate governance standards," it said.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2023

Such seem to be the opinions of Coke, who says that the phrase nisi per legem terræ means unless by due process of law.

From An Essay on the Trial by Jury by Spooner, Lysander