What is the purpose of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

The purpose of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is to prevent state governments from discriminating against any person within their jurisdiction. It guarantees that any person, regardless of race, sex, religion, or any other status, is afforded the same rights and protections under the law. The clause states that "[n]o State shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The clause was added to the U.S. Constitution with the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, and it was meant to protect civil rights and liberties of those affected by the effects of slavery. Its purpose was to ensure that all American citizens, regardless of race, would be treated equally and fairly under the law. It provides a legal basis for challenging laws, policies, and practices that make distinctions on the basis of race, gender, class, or other characteristics. The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the equal protection clause as providing protection to individuals from unequal treatment. The Court has also interpreted it to represent a more limited form of protection, where laws must create a rational basis for treating people differently. In Washington, the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is enforced by the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Commission works to ensure that all people in Washington, regardless of their status, are treated with respect and fairness under the law. It investigates complaints alleging discrimination and takes appropriate action when discrimination is found to have occurred.

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What is the purpose of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment?

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