The purpose of this module for college students is to describe the economic, social, intellectual, and political changes which took place during the Enlightenment period and to show the interrelationship between these changes and concepts behind due process of law. This resource contains an introduction to the module; a list of objectives for the student; some learning activities to precede the lecture study; and some questions for essay exams, projects, and discussion. However, the bulk of this resource is a lecture about the historical context within which due process of law developed. The lecture begins with a brief description of due process of law in England and the United States. Some economic and social background of medieval Europe is noted, followed by an explanation of the changes in the intellectual and religious life before the Enlightenment. Then the distinguishing characteristics of the Enlightenment are given. The Scientific Revolution is discussed next, specifically focusing on how this revolution secularized knowledge and why these scientific discoveries were significant from an intellectual standpoint. The concept of natural law and how it derived from science is examined. Ideas of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke with respect to natural law and individual rights are considered, compared, and contrasted. Finally, the lecture concludes with a discussion of how the American system of due process of law developed from this historical context and how it expresses the Enlightenment mindset. (Author/NE)