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

If and when the state kills, every decision, including whether and when to issue a death warrant, must be done publicly, deliberately, and in a way that accords the condemned due process of law.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

In the past, the Supreme Court has said people who are being held in this country, including non-citizens, have a right to due process of law.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 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

The officers were charged in a criminal information that they conspired to deny Quantez Burks’ right to due process of law.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2023

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

From The Short Constitution by Russell, William F.