Equal Protection
/ˈiːkwəl prəˈtɛkʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A constitutional guarantee that no person or group shall be denied the same protection under the law enjoyed by others in similar conditions.
The Equal Protection Clause prevents states from enacting discriminatory laws.
- (n.) A principle requiring laws to be applied fairly and equally, prohibiting arbitrary or unreasonable discrimination.
Equal protection ensures that government actions treat all individuals equitably.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often invoked in civil rights litigation, equal protection analysis typically involves tiered scrutiny standards depending on the classification involved.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.