What is referred to as substantive due process?

Substantive due process is a constitutional doctrine that protects certain fundamental rights from government interference. It is primarily concerned with the essence of the laws and policies to ensure that they are fair and just, rather than just focusing on the procedures by which laws are enforced. It safeguards individuals from arbitrary denial of their rights and ensures that laws must have a legitimate purpose and be reasonable in nature.

The correct choice highlights the right to receive guarantees and safeguards of the law, which is central to substantive due process. This ensures that not just any law can be enacted; it must adhere to principles of fairness and justice, thereby protecting the fundamental rights of individuals. Laws that infringe on the core rights recognized by substantive due process require a compelling state interest to justify the infringement.

In contrast, the other options reflect specific rights that may be protected under different areas of law but do not encompass the core principle of substantive due process—namely, the notion that laws themselves must not infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals without adequate justification. The scope of substantive due process typically addresses broader constitutional guarantees rather than specific rights like free speech, the right to bear arms, or the right to vote alone.