14th amendment incorporation

[Yates]

Being a law junkie, this thread is quite interesting to me.  It seems as though the clause in question is referring to the states creating their own laws.  However, many say that the Constitution has no right to dictate laws of the states. 

The clause in question guarantees the freedom of all United States citizens from laws which can be described using the words in the clause.  The Constitution is a literal document, and it sets the laws for the entire nation.

[Yates]

Welcome, Yates!

The clause in question guarantees the freedom of all United States citizens from laws which can be described using the words in the clause.

The problem lies in determining what laws "can be described using the words in the clause."

Thank you, Emsworth.

That is a good question.  It must be answered by a court of law.  The Constitution occasionally leaves some questions, such as your question, unanswered.  It is then necessary for the judiciary to determine the answer.