What principle ensures that similar cases are treated similarly in a legal context?

The principle that ensures similar cases are treated similarly in a legal context is related to the concept of equal protection under the law. This principle is enshrined in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that individuals in similar situations should be treated equally by the law. This means that if a particular legal issue arises, individuals with similar circumstances should receive the same legal treatment, regardless of their personal characteristics or status.

This approach aims to eliminate discrimination and promote fairness in the justice system, ensuring that the law is applied uniformly to all persons. As a result, the concept of equal protection under the law is foundational in promoting justice and equality in legal proceedings.

While other concepts like judicial review or legal precedent are crucial to the functioning of the legal system, they do not directly ensure equal treatment of similar cases in the way that the equal protection principle does. Judicial review refers to the power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, while legal precedent emphasizes the importance of previous court decisions guiding current cases. The presumption of innocence focuses specifically on the rights of individuals accused of a crime, rather than the broader principle of equality before the law.