14th Amendment
Definition
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868 as part of the Reconstruction Amendments, which declares that all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. are citizens and entitles them to equal protection under the law, while also incorporating due process protections against state infringement.
A pivotal legal cornerstone often invoked in civil rights cases, prohibiting states from denying life, liberty, or property without due process, and serving as the basis for landmark Supreme Court decisions like Brown v. Board of Education.
Section 3 notably disqualifies individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. from holding office, a clause that's seen more action in modern headlines than a forgotten Netflix series.
Examples
The defense attorney dramatically cited the 14th Amendment, arguing his client’s gold-plated yacht deserved equal protection from jealous neighbors.
In the heated town hall, Karen invoked the 14th Amendment to demand due process before the HOA banned her inflatable unicorn lawn display.
Politicians treat the 14th Amendment like a Swiss Army knife—perfect for slicing up opponents' arguments or justifying their latest citizenship-by-tweet scheme.
Thanks to the 14th Amendment, my cat now claims birthright citizenship and equal rights to the laser pointer.