The passage of the Fourteenth Amendment had a profound effect on the Constitution and on this country in that it introduced the concept of equality and due process, promising “equal protection of the laws.” You asked why it was important for all levels of government to ensure that due process protections are afforded to its citizens. Government, in order to ensure a valid legal system, must demonstrate a commitment to follow its own laws. The concept of due process embodies that commitment. The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment promises that before depriving a citizen of life, liberty or property, government must follow fair procedures. (Hunter, 2009)
How can any level of government demand respect and assert authority if it fails to treat its citizens with dignity and respect? In the present day, where tyrants rule in Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and other places, how can we hold the fabric of society together without ensuring that our laws are applied fairly and equally to all people; especially to those accused by the government of a crime or holding opinions contrary to that held by the government? …show more content…
I would have done exactly what Fourteenth Amendment author Ohio Congressman John Bingham did; he argued that idea of “equality” was the foundation of our original Constitution and using Biblical arguments, pointed out that “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt,” (Exodus 22:21) and “Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”. (Exodus
How can any level of government demand respect and assert authority if it fails to treat its citizens with dignity and respect? In the present day, where tyrants rule in Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, and other places, how can we hold the fabric of society together without ensuring that our laws are applied fairly and equally to all people; especially to those accused by the government of a crime or holding opinions contrary to that held by the government? …show more content…
I would have done exactly what Fourteenth Amendment author Ohio Congressman John Bingham did; he argued that idea of “equality” was the foundation of our original Constitution and using Biblical arguments, pointed out that “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt,” (Exodus 22:21) and “Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger; for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”. (Exodus