Final answer:
The equal protection clause is likely to be raised when a law treats a person or group of people differently. It prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, ensuring that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and opportunities under the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
A law that treats a person or class of persons differently from others is likely to raise an issue of equal protection. The equal protection clause, found in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, prohibits states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This means that the government cannot treat people unequally without a valid reason, such as maintaining public safety. The equal protection clause ensures that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and opportunities under the law.