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Due Process
United States Supreme Court began to apply the guarantees of the Bill of Rights to the states. Due process is the right to be treated fairly under the legal system. The system and its officers are responsible for ensuring that "rules of fair play" are followed in making decisions, in determining guilt or innocence, and in punishing those who have been found guilty. -
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has interpreted the due process clause to mean that no state may deny any person any right that is "basic or essential to the American concept of ordered liberty." The Supreme court gradually began using the due process clause to say that states could not abridge a right that the national government could not abridge. -
Supreme Court Case
The Court ruled that the freedom of the press offered by the national Bill of Rights had to be offered by every state as well. -
Freedom of Religion
The Supreme Court ruled that freedom of religion provided for in the First Amendment had to be provided by all states. -
Interpretations
The Supreme Court broadened its interpretations to limit state action in most areas in which national government action is limited.
Example: the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures.
