Which principle is fundamental in ensuring that all parties are treated equally before the law?

Natural Justice embodies the fundamental principle of treating all parties equally before the law. It ensures that individuals receive a fair hearing and that decisions are made impartially, without bias. This principle enshrines two key components: the right to be heard and the rule against bias. By guaranteeing that all individuals have an opportunity to present their case and that decisions are made based on objective criteria, Natural Justice protects individuals from arbitrary or unfair treatment.

This principle is critical in legal processes as it upholds the integrity of the judicial system and reinforces public confidence in the fairness of the law. Consequently, it directly ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or position, is given equal consideration in legal proceedings.

In contrast, while Legal Precedent, Judicial Review, and Equity are important aspects of the legal system, they serve different functions. Legal Precedent refers to the practice of using past court decisions to guide current cases, ensuring consistency but not necessarily equality. Judicial Review involves the courts' ability to review administrative actions for legality, focusing on the actions of the executive rather than ensuring individual equality. Equity deals with fairness and justice within legal frameworks, but it does not specifically address the principle of equal treatment before the law as directly as Natural Justice does.