<P> Equality before the law , also known as : equality under the law , equality in the eyes of the law , or legal equality , is the principle that each independent human being must be treated equally by the law ( principle of isonomy ) and that all people are subject to the same laws of justice ( due process ) . Therefore , the law must guarantee that no individual nor group of individuals should be privileged or discriminated against by the government . Equality before the law is one of the basic principles of liberalism . This principle arises from various important and complex questions concerning equality , fairness , and justice . In 1894 , the author Anatole France said that `` ( i ) n its majestic equality , the law forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges , beg in the streets , and steal loaves of bread . '' The belief in equality before the law is called legal egalitarianism . The principle of equality before the law is incompatible and ceases to exist with legal systems such as slavery , servitude , colonialism , monarchy , or quotaism . </P>
what right guarantees that we must be treated the same as everyone else under the law
Equality before the law