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

Justices said the Trump administration hadn’t provided Cook sufficient due process for her to contest her removal on allegations of mortgage fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

The court did not finally decide on Cook’s case, except to say she deserved due process of law.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

The facility drew fierce criticism from lawyers, families, civil rights groups and human rights advocates, who accused the government of holding detainees in harsh conditions and denying them meaningful due process.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

Both periodically voted to uphold the rights of this group and afford them the due process guaranteed by the Constitution.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026

The captain, who described himself as “a redneck,” was arguing for due process.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French