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Law vocabulary · Rights & Obligations

Due process

Meaning in law, with examples

phraseCommon term

In law, due process means: The principle that the state must follow fair and proper legal procedures, such as giving notice and a chance to be heard, before taking away a person's rights or property.

In Turkish: hukuka uygun yargılama, adil yargılanma güvencesi, usul güvenceleri

How it is used

A key term in US constitutional law, found in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, and widely used elsewhere as a general idea. People speak of 'due process rights', 'a denial of due process' and action taken 'without due process'.

Example sentences

  1. The students argued that they were expelled without due process.

  2. Due process requires that both sides have a fair chance to present their case.

Common collocations

  • due process of law
  • due process rights
  • denial of due process
  • without due process
  • rule of lawThe principle that everyone, including the government and officials, must follow the law, and that laws are applied fairly by independent courts.
  • rightSomething the law allows you to have or do, or allows you to demand from others, such as the right to a fair trial or the right to be paid.
  • constitutionThe basic set of laws and principles that sets up a state, organises its powers and protects the fundamental rights of its people.
  • hearingA meeting of a court or tribunal where the parties or their lawyers present arguments or evidence on a particular issue.

More terms: Rights & Obligations

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.