Among them was the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits the states from depriving "any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Among them was the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits the states from depriving "any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.The Equal Protection Clause requires each state to provide equal protection under the law to all people, including non-citizens, within its jurisdiction. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Amendment IX (1791). Under the 14th Amendment, African Americans could now legally claim the same constitutional rights afforded to all American citizens. The Equal Protection Clause is part of the first section of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Washington and the deputies from 12 States.