Which Amendment to the Constitution addresses Due Process rights?

The Fourteenth Amendment is key to understanding Due Process rights in the United States. Enacted in 1868, this amendment redefined the relationship between individuals and states, primarily through its Due Process Clause. This clause guarantees that no person shall be deprived of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." Essentially, it ensures that individuals have the right to a fair process and protects against arbitrary decisions made by the state.

The importance of the Fourteenth Amendment extends beyond just legal proceedings; it has been foundational in many landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped civil rights and liberties. It allows individuals to challenge laws and actions that may infringe on their rights and signals a commitment to ensuring that justice is administered fairly.

While other amendments mentioned, such as the Second and Fourth, provide specific rights regarding gun ownership and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, respectively, they do not address the broad concept of due process. The Sixteenth Amendment, which deals with income tax, is unrelated to due process rights. Hence, the Fourteenth Amendment stands out as the crucial element concerning individuals' rights to due process under law.