Proportionality is a principle that ensures a balance between means and ends in decision-making. It is often used in law and ethics to evaluate whether the actions taken are appropriate and necessary in relation to the intended outcome. For example, if a government enacts a law to maintain public safety, the measures should not be excessively harsh compared to the threat posed. In the context of human rights, proportionality helps protect individuals from excessive state power. It requires that any restrictions on rights, such as freedom of speech or privacy, must be justified and limited to what is necessary to achieve a legitimate goal.