Due process

Due process is the legal requirement that the state must respect all of the legal rights that are owed to a person. Due process balances the power of law of the land and protects the individual person from it. When a government harms a person without following the exact course of the law, this constitutes a due-process violation, which offends against the rule of law.

The phrase "due process of law" is explicitly mentioned in both the Fifth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment.

Some of the protections afforded by due process include, but are not limited to:
 * An unbiased tribunal.
 * Notice of the proposed action and the grounds asserted for it.
 * Opportunity to present reasons why the proposed action should not be taken.
 * The right to present evidence, including the right to call witnesses.
 * The right to know opposing evidence.
 * The right to cross-examine adverse witnesses.
 * A decision based exclusively on the evidence presented.
 * Opportunity to be represented by counsel.
 * Requirement that the tribunal prepare a record of the evidence presented.
 * Requirement that the tribunal prepare written findings of fact and reasons for its decision.