What legal principle prevents the government from taking a citizen's life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures?

The legal principle that prevents the government from taking a citizen's life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures is known as due process of law. This principle is enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which stipulate that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process.

Due process ensures that individuals receive fair treatment through the normal judicial system. This means that the government must follow established legal procedures and rules before taking any action that could negatively impact a person's fundamental rights. It acts as a safeguard against arbitrary decisions and ensures that individuals have the opportunity to contest legal actions taken against them.

In contrast, the presumption of innocence pertains to the legal principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty, serving to protect defendants in criminal trials. Double jeopardy refers to the prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense. Trial by jury is the right to have one's case decided by a jury of peers, which is a component of due process but does not encompass the entire principle itself.