What does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee regarding protection under the law?

The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This means that all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic, must be treated equally under the law. The amendment was adopted in the post-Civil War era to address issues of inequality and to ensure that everyone has the same legal rights and protections.

This principle is fundamental in combating discriminatory practices, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and equitably to all individuals. It has been the basis for many landmark Supreme Court cases that have aimed to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure civil rights.

While the other options relate to important legal rights, they do not specifically capture the essence of the Fourteenth Amendment as it pertains to equal protection under the law. The Amendment is primarily focused on the principle that everyone deserves equal treatment in the eyes of the law.