Which amendment addresses equal protection under the law?

The 14th Amendment is significant because it specifically addresses the principle of equal protection under the law. Ratified in 1868, this amendment states that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This provision not only guarantees that individuals are treated equally and fairly by the law but also serves as a foundation for various civil rights legislation and judicial decisions that have sought to eradicate discrimination based on race, gender, and other characteristics.

The other amendments mentioned do not focus on equal protection. The 1st Amendment primarily deals with freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. The 5th Amendment covers rights related to criminal proceedings, including due process and protection against self-incrimination. The 8th Amendment addresses issues related to excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment. Each serves a critical function in protecting individual liberties, but it is the 14th Amendment that explicitly ensures all individuals receive equal protection under the law.