What does the Due Process Model emphasize within the criminal justice system?

The Due Process Model emphasizes the protection of individual rights throughout the entire criminal justice process. This model is grounded in the idea that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to fair treatment, which includes the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the right to legal counsel.

The focus on individual rights means that the procedures and rights provided by the law must be respected at every stage—investigation, arrest, trial, and sentencing. This model often requires that law enforcement and the judiciary operate within strict guidelines to ensure that the rights of the accused are not violated, thus emphasizing fairness, justice, and the importance of due process in legal proceedings.

In contrast, other approaches, such as the Crime Control Model, prioritize the efficient processing of cases, sometimes at the expense of individual rights. Options that focus on severity of punishment or victim advocacy do not fully encapsulate the Due Process Model's core principle, which centers on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the justice system. Therefore, emphasizing individual rights accurately represents the essence of the Due Process Model.