Procedural due process is a constitutional principle in the United States that requires the government to follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property. It is guaranteed by the Due Process Clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Procedural due process ensures that when the government acts to deprive an individual of these interests, the person must be given:

• Notice of the proposed action and the grounds for it
• An opportunity to be heard in a meaningful way
• A decision made by a neutral and impartial decision-maker

These protections prevent arbitrary or unjustified government actions and require that there be a clear standard and justification for the government's conduct

. Beyond these core requirements, additional procedural rights may include the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses, to cross-examine adverse witnesses, to be represented by counsel, and to have a record and written findings of the decision. However, not all these rights are guaranteed in every case; courts assess the necessary procedures based on the specific context and interests involved

. The Supreme Court has emphasized that procedural due process is about ensuring fairness in legal proceedings, protecting individuals from mistaken or unjustified deprivations, and requiring government actions to be deliberate rather than negligent

. In summary, procedural due process is the legal requirement that the government must follow fair and established procedures-such as notice and a hearing before an impartial tribunal-before depriving someone of fundamental rights like life, liberty, or property