What principle does due process ensure regarding individuals?

Due process is fundamentally rooted in the legal principle that protects individuals from arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property. It ensures that every person has the right to fair legal proceedings and safeguards against unfair treatment under the law. This principle obliges the state to respect a person's legal rights, ensuring that any governmental action affecting these rights follows established legal procedures.

This protection is vital in various contexts, including education, employment, and legal affairs, as it reinforces the idea that individuals cannot be deprived of their rights without just cause or due process. The other options involve aspects of rights or duties but do not directly address the core function of due process, which is to ensure fair treatment and respect for established legal rights.