If a sentenced inmate loses good-time credit without a disciplinary hearing, which constitutional amendment is affected?

The correct answer is related to the 14th Amendment, which provides protections against deprivation of liberty without due process of law. In the context of a sentenced inmate losing good-time credit, the affected constitutional principle is due process. Good-time credit allows inmates to reduce their time served based on good behavior, and losing this credit can significantly impact their overall sentence.

Due process requires that inmates be afforded a fair hearing before they can be deprived of a liberty interest, such as good-time credits. A disciplinary hearing is a component of this due process, giving the inmate an opportunity to contest the loss of their credits. Therefore, if an inmate loses good-time credit without such a hearing, their right to due process under the 14th Amendment has been violated. This principle is foundational in ensuring that all individuals, including inmates, are treated fairly by the legal and correctional systems.