What principle guarantees that laws are not applied in a discriminatory manner?

The principle of equal protection is a fundamental concept in constitutional law that ensures individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination under the law. This principle is grounded in the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which mandates that no state shall deny to any person the equal protection of the laws. It requires that individuals in similar situations be treated equally by the law and protects against discriminatory practices based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion.

This principle plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and civil rights, helping to ensure that laws and policies are applied consistently and equitably to all citizens. For example, legal challenges based on equal protection often address issues like segregation, voting rights, and employment discrimination, typically aiming to dismantle practices that unfairly target or disadvantage specific groups.

While the concepts of due process, federalism, and judicial review are also important components of the legal system, they do not specifically address the prohibition of discriminatory law application in the same way that equal protection does. Due process focuses on ensuring fair legal procedures, federalism relates to the division of powers between state and national governments, and judicial review allows courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality. Each serves significant roles but does not specifically encapsulate