Which amendment ensures protection from being deprived of life or liberty without due process?

The correct response highlights the significance of the 5th Amendment, which states that no person shall be “deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” This foundational principle enshrines the idea that individuals have the right to a fair legal process before they can be deprived of their rights or freedoms. The due process clause in the 5th Amendment serves as a protection against arbitrary denial of life or liberty, ensuring that any legal proceeding is conducted fairly and in accordance with established rules and principles.

Additionally, while the 14th Amendment also includes a due process clause that extends these protections at the state level, the prompt specifically references the initial protection, which is rooted in the 5th Amendment at the federal level. This makes the 5th Amendment the correct choice here. The other amendments listed relate to different rights and protections, such as the right to a speedy trial and protection from cruel and unusual punishment, which do not address the issue of due process in the same manner.