Where Is Substantive Due Process in the Constitution?

Looking to the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution—which concerns procedural rights, such as a defendant's right to a fair trial—the substantive due process doctrine maintains that basic substantive rights, like freedom of speech and religion, are also protected by the clause.

What amendment is substantive due process?

The Fourteenth Amendment reads, in part, that no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” This applies to the states and to local governments. The Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment applies to the federal government.

Where does due process show up in the Constitution?

In the U.S. Constitution, the phrase "due process" appears twice: in the Fifth Amendment and in the Fourteenth Amendment. Both Amendments guarantee due process when someone is denied "life, liberty, or property."

David Miller

David Miller

Executive Financial & Market Analyst

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.