What is the scope of the due process clause of the US Constitution?

The Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution guarantees that people have the right to be treated fairly and equally by the law. This clause is part of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which states, "No State shall ... deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The scope of the Due Process Clause covers both procedural and substantive rights. Procedural rights ensure that citizens receive fair and equal treatment in the court process by, for example, requiring notice and a hearing before a person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property. Substantive rights protect citizens from arbitrary or unreasonable governmental actions, such as government interference with the right to privacy. The Due Process Clause applies to both federal and state governments. In a legal context, it has been interpreted broadly to encompass a range of constitutional rights, such as the right to travel, the right to vote, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to education, and the right to marry. In Washington State, due process is listed as one of the fundamental rights under the Washington State Constitution. It is interpreted to protect Washington residents from being deprived of their rights or privileges without due process of law.

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