Procedural due process is a legal principle that ensures fair treatment through the judicial system. It requires that individuals receive notice of legal actions against them and an opportunity to be heard before any government action that could affect their rights or interests. This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In practice, procedural due process involves specific steps, such as providing a fair hearing and allowing individuals to present evidence. These safeguards help protect against arbitrary decisions by the government, ensuring that everyone has a chance to defend themselves in legal matters.