Which clause prohibits states from denying life, liberty, or property without due process?

• A. Ex Post Facto Clause
• B. Due Process Clause 14th Amendment
• C. Free Exercise Clause
• D. Privileges & Immunities Clause

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that states cannot take away a person’s life, liberty, or property without fair procedures. This protection comes from the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which applies to state governments and requires that before the state deprives someone of these fundamental interests, it use lawful, fair procedures—often notice and an opportunity to be heard (procedural due process) and, in some cases, protections against fundamentally unfair laws (substantive due process).

The other options don’t address this specific safeguard. The Ex Post Facto Clause bars applying or creating retroactive criminal penalties. The Free Exercise Clause protects religious practice. The Privileges and Immunities Clause restricts states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens in certain rights, but it does not establish the due-process protection before deprivation of life, liberty, or property.