Which clause of the Constitution is frequently referenced in civil rights cases?

The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is a fundamental element in civil rights cases because it explicitly prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws." This clause has been a cornerstone in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases addressing issues such as racial segregation, gender discrimination, and other forms of unequal treatment under the law. Notably, cases like Brown v. Board of Education utilized the Equal Protection Clause to challenge and ultimately dismantle the doctrine of "separate but equal," thereby affirming that all individuals deserve equal protection against discrimination by the state.

The significance of the Equal Protection Clause extends to various civil rights movements and continues to impact legislation and judicial decisions regarding equality in areas such as education, employment, and voting rights. Its broad language allows for various interpretations, which is often pivotal in advancing civil rights arguments in court.

While the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment protects against arbitrary deprivation of life, liberty, or property, it is less frequently the central focus in civil rights cases specifically aimed at ensuring equal treatment. The Establishment Clause deals primarily with the separation of church and state rather than discrimination, and the Commerce Clause primarily regulates economic activities between states. Each of these clauses serves important functions within the Constitution, but