equal protection under the law

Equal protection under the law is a constitutional principle that requires governments to treat all individuals fairly and without discrimination. It means that laws and policies should not favor or unfairly disadvantage people based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or other protected classes. This principle ensures that everyone receives equal treatment and opportunities under the law, promoting fairness and justice in society. Courts evaluate whether laws comply with this rule by checking that similar cases are treated similarly and that any distinctions are justified by legitimate reasons.