What does the Due Process Clause guarantee?

The Due Process Clause, found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, guarantees that individuals are provided a fair legal process and that their rights are protected before the government can take any action against them. This clause is fundamental in ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law and that no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures being followed.

This principle encompasses a broad range of rights, including but not limited to the right to a fair trial, protection against self-incrimination, and various other protections that safeguard individuals' freedoms. By interpreting the Due Process Clause, courts have recognized multiple rights that contribute to the fundamental fairness of legal proceedings. Thus, it is correct to state that the Due Process Clause guarantees a variety of rights to individuals, reflecting its role in the larger framework of legal protections in American law.