What does the 14th Amendment generally protect against?

The 14th Amendment primarily aims to protect individuals from racial discrimination and ensure equal protection under the law. It contains several significant provisions, including the Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This amendment was crucial in advancing civil rights and addressing issues of racial inequality and discrimination in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and public accommodations.

While self-incrimination, coercion, and warrantless searches are critical issues within criminal law, they relate more specifically to the protections offered by the 5th and 4th Amendments, respectively. Thus, the overarching intention of the 14th Amendment is to combat racial discrimination and ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, are treated equally by the law. It serves as a vital foundation for civil rights legislation and court decisions aimed at dismantling systemic racism and promoting equality.