Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which clause of the Fourteenth Amendment ensures equal treatment under the law?

1. Due Process Clause

2. Equal Protection Clause

3. Privileges or Immunities Clause

4. Right to Counsel Clause

The correct answer is: Equal Protection Clause

The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is specifically designed to ensure that individuals are treated equally under the law. This clause prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, thus serving as a critical component in the fight against discrimination and promoting fairness in legal proceedings. The purpose of the Equal Protection Clause is to require states to provide all individuals with consistent legal protections, meaning that similarly situated individuals should be treated alike. This clause has served as the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases addressing civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, reinforcing the principle that no individual or group should receive unequal treatment by the law. In contrast, the Due Process Clause focuses on ensuring that individuals receive fair treatment and that legal proceedings are conducted in a fair manner, while the Privileges or Immunities Clause protects certain fundamental rights of citizens. The Right to Counsel Clause is not a recognized component of the Fourteenth Amendment but rather relates to the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to an attorney in criminal cases.