What does "due process" refer to?

"Due process" fundamentally refers to the legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person. This concept ensures that an individual is given a fair opportunity to defend themselves in the legal process and that any actions undertaken by the government, particularly those that could infringe on a person's rights or freedoms, comply with established legal standards. Due process can be viewed from two perspectives: procedural due process, which concerns the fairness of the methods and procedures employed in the legal process, and substantive due process, which protects certain fundamental rights from government infringement.

While the other options touch upon aspects of the legal system, they do not capture the essence of due process as accurately. For instance, the expedited legal process in civil cases refers to a specific legal strategy rather than the overarching principle of fairness in legal proceedings. The application of laws fairly and equitably relates more generally to justice and equality under the law, but it lacks the specificity regarding individuals' rights that due process encompasses. Lastly, the procedure for appealing court decisions is part of the justice system but does not encompass the broader concepts inherent in due process, which is about safeguarding individuals' rights throughout legal proceedings.