What legal concept is defined by the 5th and 14th Amendments?

The legal concept defined by the 5th and 14th Amendments is due process of law. The Fifth Amendment establishes that no person shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law," which emphasizes the government's obligation to follow fair procedures. The Fourteenth Amendment expands this protection by prohibiting states from denying any person “the equal protection of the laws” and by reinforcing the due process clause applied specifically to state actions.

Due process serves as a fundamental legal principle that ensures individuals are treated fairly and justly in the legal system. It encompasses both procedural due process, which focuses on the fairness of legal proceedings, and substantive due process, which protects certain fundamental rights from government interference. Therefore, this dual protection in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments creates a comprehensive safeguard for individual rights against arbitrary governmental actions.