The prohibition against discrimination in treatment based on individual merit is found in which amendment?

The prohibition against discrimination in treatment based on individual merit is found in the 14th Amendment. This amendment includes the Equal Protection Clause, which mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This clause ensures that individuals are treated equally under the law, prohibiting discriminatory practices that could arise based on race, gender, or other factors.

The 14th Amendment's focus on equal protection is fundamental in various legal contexts, particularly in cases involving civil rights and liberties. It aims to safeguard against arbitrary treatment and enforce the principle that laws apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their background.

The other amendments mentioned do not specifically address the issue of discrimination in the same way. The 6th Amendment deals with rights related to criminal prosecutions, including the right to a fair trial. The 5th Amendment provides protections against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, as well as due process rights. The 8th Amendment focuses on prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment. While these amendments protect important rights, they do not specifically encompass the anti-discrimination principle that is central to the 14th Amendment.