Definition

1. Noun:
   • A constitutional guarantee: "Equal protection of the laws" is a legal doctrine and constitutional right, primarily under the Fourteenth Amendment, that requires a state to treat all similarly situated individuals in the same manner under the law. It prohibits arbitrary discrimination by the government.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The landmark case was argued on the grounds of equal protection of the laws.
  • The new policy was challenged because it violated the principle of equal protection of the laws.
  • The court applied strict scrutiny to determine if the statute provided equal protection of the laws.

Advanced Usage

• "to deny equal protection of the laws": To fail to provide this constitutional guarantee, resulting in discriminatory treatment.
  • A law that creates an unfair distinction based on race may be found to deny equal protection of the laws.
• "under the Equal Protection Clause": A common phrase referring specifically to the clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that establishes this right.
  • The lawsuit was filed under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Variants and Related Words

• Equal Protection Clause (n): The specific clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees this right.
• Due process (n): A related constitutional principle, often paired with equal protection, guaranteeing fair legal procedures. It is found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.

Synonyms

• Constitutional equality: Equality as mandated by the constitution.
• Legal equity: Fairness and justice within the legal system.

Related Phrases

• To guarantee equal protection: To ensure this right is upheld.
  • The Constitution guarantees equal protection to all persons.
• A violation of equal protection: An act or law that breaches this guarantee.
  • The judge ruled that the ordinance was a violation of equal protection.

Related Idioms

• "Equal justice under law": A foundational principle often inscribed on courthouses, closely related to the concept of equal protection, emphasizing that the law should be applied impartially to all.

Noun

1. a right guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution and by the due-process clause of the Fifth Amendment