Fourteenth Amendment
Fourteenth Amendment: The 1868 amendment that made all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, "citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside," and that forbids states to abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens, deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law, or deny any person the equal protection of the laws. Most of the Bill of Rights applies to the states through its Due Process Clause.
What fourteenth amendment means
In short, fourteenth amendment is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.
Where fourteenth amendment comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: State citizen, Thirteenth Amendment.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses fourteenth amendment in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Foreclosure: the legal process by which a secured creditor sells real property securing a debt after a default, under state law.
- Foreign national: a person who is a citizen or national of a country other than the United States.
- Foreign trust: for U.S. tax purposes, a trust that does not meet two tests: a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision over it, and one or more U.S. persons control all of its substantial decisions (26 U.S.C. § 7701(a)(30)(E) and (a)(31)(B)).
- Forward flow agreement: a contract under which a seller agrees to sell, and a buyer to buy, receivables on a recurring schedule on terms set in advance.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.