Which term describes a focus on fair procedures and protecting individual rights within the justice system?

• A. External Forms of Social Control
• B. Internal Forms of Social Control
• C. Due Process Model
• D. Crime Control Model

Answer: (C)

Focusing on fair procedures and protecting individual rights within the justice system is the hallmark of the due process model. This approach treats legal safeguards as essential to prevent miscarriages of justice, ensuring that suspects and defendants are treated fairly at every stage—from investigation and arrest to trial and appeals. It emphasizes rights such as the presumption of innocence, the right to legal counsel, and evidence obtained and used in a lawful, properly ratified process. It also underlines that the state must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt within a framework that respects due process. In contrast, other options describe broader social controls or prioritize rapid crime suppression, which can conflict with extensive procedural protections. So the term that best captures the emphasis on fair procedures and protecting individual rights is the due process model.