EQUAL PROTECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Equal protection refers to a constitutional principle that prohibits the government from discriminating against individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, national origin, or religion. The term primarily stands as a cornerstone of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Under this principle, every person is entitled to equal treatment and the law must offer the same level of protection to all individuals, ensuring that no one is subjected to unjust treatment based on arbitrary characteristics or circumstances. The aim of equal protection is to prevent the government from arbitrarily favoring one group over another, or from denying particular rights, privileges, or opportunities to individuals based on their membership in a certain group.
The equal protection clause requires the government to conduct itself impartially and objectively when passing and enforcing laws, policies, or regulations. Moreover, it establishes that any distinctions made by the government must have a rational basis and be reasonably related to a legitimate governmental purpose. Courts have interpreted this principle to offer heightened scrutiny when a law or policy discriminates against individuals based on their race, national origin, ethnicity, or gender. Under strict scrutiny, the government must demonstrate a compelling state interest to justify such differential treatment. Similarly, laws that classify individuals based on characteristics such as age or disability receive intermediate scrutiny. Ultimately, the principle of equal protection ensures that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination by the government.
Common Misspellings for EQUAL PROTECTION
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Etymology of EQUAL PROTECTION
The term "equal protection" comes from the combination of two words: "equal" and "protection".
The word "equal" originated from the Latin word "aequalis", meaning "even" or "level". The term was then adapted into Old French as "egal", and later entered Middle English as "eghal". Over time, it has evolved into its modern form, "equal", which refers to something being of the same quantity, size, value, or status.
The word "protection" has Latin origins as well, derived from the verb "protegere", which means "to cover" or "to shield". In Old French, it transformed into "proteccion", and eventually reached Middle English as "protection". The term generally pertains to the act of safeguarding, defending, or ensuring the safety of someone or something.
