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Glossary

Due process

common-lawconstitutional

The requirement that state action affecting rights follows fair procedure and, in some systems, respects substantive limits.

In more detail

Procedural due process guarantees notice and a fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker. Substantive due process, developed in US constitutional law, additionally limits what the state may do regardless of procedure. Civil-law systems reach similar results through proportionality analysis.

Related terms

  • natural-justice
  • proportionality

See how this applies to you

Definitions are general. How a term operates depends on the jurisdiction you are in.