What is meant by the term 'due process of law'?

The term 'due process of law' refers to the principle of fair legal procedures that must be followed before an individual can be deprived of their fundamental rights, such as life, liberty, or property. It is a constitutional guarantee found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This principle ensures that all legal proceedings are conducted fairly and that individuals have the opportunity to contest any legal actions against them in a court of law.

Due process encompasses various rights, including the right to a fair trial, the right to be heard, and the right to a legal representation. It requires that laws be applied consistently and justly, ensuring that the government respects and upholds the legal rights of individuals. This principle plays a vital role in maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding citizens from arbitrary actions by authorities.

The options that suggest other interpretations do not capture the essence of due process. For instance, the idea of an absolute right to appeal does not reflect the procedural fairness emphasized in due process. Enacting laws without judicial review or the checks and balances system also strays from the focus on individual legal protections that due process safeguards.