equal protection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal protection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts, particularly in discussions about civil rights and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment in the United States Constitution. Example: "The court ruled that the law violated the principle of equal protection under the law, as it discriminated against a specific group of individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Equal protection, equal protection — for everyone.

The New Yorker

Not all equal protection cases involve race.

The New Yorker

Proposition 8 thus violates equal protection.

The New Yorker

This violates the equal protection clause".

The New York Times

With respect to the equal protection question, we find a violation of the equal protection clause.

The New York Times

He asks, what does the equal protection clause forbid?

The New York Times

"People will go without police protection, without equal protection.

The Guardian

We stand for the equal protection under the law.

The New Yorker

The equal protection clause of the 14th amendment won't do.

The Guardian - Film

This is not a call for equal protection.

The Guardian - Opinion

The men's convictions violate the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal rights or constitutional matters, use "equal protection" to accurately convey the principle of legal fairness. In other contexts, consider alternatives like "fair treatment" or "equal rights".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "equal protection" necessitates identical treatment in all situations. The legal concept acknowledges that different circumstances may warrant different treatment as long as the basis for differentiation is not discriminatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal protection" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in legal and political contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in discussing constitutional rights and legal principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equal protection" is a cornerstone of legal and political discourse, primarily functioning as a noun phrase advocating for fairness under the law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. While "equal protection" is often confused with "equal treatment", the legal definition acknowledges that differing circumstances may necessitate different approaches as long as those approaches do not discriminate. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker underscores its importance in discussions regarding constitutional rights and legal impartiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equality under the law

Replaces "protection" with "equality", a closely related concept.

equal rights

Broader term encompassing various rights, not solely legal safeguards.

equal legal safeguards

Specifies that the protection is provided through legal means.

fair treatment under the law

Rephrases the concept using simpler language, emphasizing just handling by the legal system.

non-discrimination

Focuses on the absence of bias, a key component of equal protection.

impartiality before the law

Highlights unbiased application of legal principles.

uniform application of the law

Emphasizes consistent enforcement without preferential treatment.

equitable legal process

Stresses fairness in the procedures and mechanisms of the law.

just treatment in legal matters

Focuses on the ethical dimension of legal interactions.

legal parity

Emphasizes the concept of equality in legal standing and rights.

FAQs

How is "equal protection" ensured under the law?

Equal protection is primarily ensured through constitutional and statutory provisions that prohibit discriminatory practices. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, for example, guarantees that states cannot deny anyone within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

What are some real-world examples of "equal protection" issues?

Examples include cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Affirmative action policies, same-sex marriage laws, and voting rights are often debated in the context of /s/equal+protection.

What's the difference between "equal protection" and /s/due+process?

While both relate to fairness under the law, "equal protection" focuses on preventing discriminatory treatment, whereas "due process" concerns the procedural rights of individuals in legal proceedings.

When might treating everyone the same not result in "equal protection"?

Treating everyone the same way can perpetuate inequality if certain groups face systemic disadvantages. "Equal protection" sometimes requires taking specific actions to address historical or ongoing discrimination to ensure genuine equality of opportunity. This relates to the concept of "equity" versus equality.