Due Process of Law Vocabulary

Police Power

Authority of each state to act to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of its people

Substantive Due Process

Concept that holds that the government must create fair policies and laws

Procedural Due Process

Concept that holds that the government must employ fair procedures and methods

Search Warrant

Court order authorizing a search

Due Process

Doctrine that holds that the government must act fairly and in accord with established rules in all that it does.

Probable Cause

Reasonable grounds, a reasonable suspicion of crime

Exclusionary Rule

Ruling stating that evidence gained as the result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized

Right to Privacy

The right to have one's personal information kept out of public scrutiny; this right is not explicitly defined in the Constitution, but some amendments provide protection for some aspects of privacy