Equal Protection

Definition

Equal protection refers to the idea that a governmental body may not deny people equal protection of its governing laws. The governing body state must treat an individual in the same manner as others in similar conditions and circumstances.

Related terms

14th Amendment: This amendment provides for equal protection under law and was used extensively during civil rights litigation.

Discrimination: Discrimination involves treating someone less favorably because of personal characteristics such as race, gender, age etc., which is contrary to principles of equal protection.

Affirmative Action: Affirmative action refers to policies that take factors including race, color, religion, sex, or national origin into consideration in order to benefit an underrepresented group in areas of employment, education, and business.