The 14th Amendment requires states to follow what standard?

The 14th Amendment requires states to follow what standard?

• A. State law
• B. Local custom
• C. States must follow federal precedent
• D. International law

Answer: (C)

The 14th Amendment binds states to federal constitutional standards as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Through incorporation, most rights in the Bill of Rights become protections against state action, so when a state acts or enacts laws, the review uses federal constitutional standards and precedents rather than the state's own rules. This means state actions must align with federal due process and equal protection guarantees, as shaped by federal law. Local customs or international law do not override those federal standards, and state law alone cannot shield a deprivation of federally protected rights. In short, the standard is federal constitutional precedent.

The 14th Amendment binds states to federal constitutional standards as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Through incorporation, most rights in the Bill of Rights become protections against state action, so when a state acts or enacts laws, the review uses federal constitutional standards and precedents rather than the state's own rules. This means state actions must align with federal due process and equal protection guarantees, as shaped by federal law. Local customs or international law do not override those federal standards, and state law alone cannot shield a deprivation of federally protected rights. In short, the standard is federal constitutional precedent.