What does due process involve?

Due process involves legal procedures that must be followed when someone is accused of a crime, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and given appropriate legal protections throughout the judicial process. This principle is rooted in the idea that everyone is entitled to a fair hearing before being deprived of life, liberty, or property. Due process ensures that laws are applied consistently and that individuals have the right to defend themselves in a court of law, through organized procedures that safeguard against arbitrary decisions.

This concept is a fundamental part of both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution, which guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. It encompasses various rights, including the right to a fair trial, the right to an attorney, and the right to confront witnesses. By adhering to established legal procedures, due process helps to maintain the integrity of the judicial system and protect the rights of the accused.