What does the 14th Amendment primarily address regarding state laws?

The 14th Amendment primarily addresses equality under the law by establishing the principle of equal protection for all individuals. Ratified in 1868, this amendment was a pivotal development in American constitutional law, aimed at securing the rights of newly freed slaves after the Civil War. It contains several significant clauses, including the Equal Protection Clause, which requires states to provide equal protection to all persons within their jurisdiction. This clause has been the foundation for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases that have expanded civil rights and prohibited discrimination based on race, gender, and other characteristics.

In contrast to the other options, the 14th Amendment does not specifically deal with search and seizure, voting rights, or freedom of the press. While these issues are addressed in other amendments—such as the Fourth Amendment concerning search and seizure, the Voting Rights Act in conjunction with the Voting Amendment, and the First Amendment regarding freedom of the press—the primary focus of the 14th Amendment is ensuring equality and protecting individuals against unequal treatment regarding state laws.