Why is due process considered a fundamental principle in the justice system?

Due process is considered a fundamental principle in the justice system primarily because it ensures that the rule of law is followed. This means that everyone, regardless of their status, is subject to the law and entitled to fair procedures. Due process safeguards individuals against arbitrary actions by the state, ensuring that legal rights are upheld and that everyone has the opportunity to present their case in a fair and impartial manner.

In practice, this includes various rights such as the right to a fair trial, the right to an attorney, the right to appeal, and the right to be informed of charges, among others. By establishing these protections, due process strengthens public confidence in the legal system and reinforces the idea that justice must be meted out fairly and consistently, contributing to the overall integrity of the criminal justice process.

Understanding due process as a fundamental principle also highlights its broader significance beyond the rights of individual defendants, thereby reinforcing the idea that the legal system should operate within an established framework of laws and regulations that apply uniformly to everyone.