California Correctional Lieutenant Practice Exam

Which model focuses on the rights of criminal defendants?

1. Crime control model

2. Deterrent model

3. Due process model

4. Restorative justice model

The correct answer is: Due process model

The due process model emphasizes the protection of individual rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law for all criminal defendants. It is founded on the principle that the government must respect the legal rights of individuals, which includes ensuring fair trial rights, the presumption of innocence, and access to legal representation. This model seeks to ensure that justice is administered fairly, providing checks against the potential abuse of state power and protecting the rights of the accused. In contrast, other models, such as the crime control model, prioritize the swift apprehension and punishment of offenders, often placing less emphasis on individual rights. The deterrent model focuses on prevention through the fear of punishment, and the restorative justice model emphasizes repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than focusing on individual rights alone. Thus, the due process model distinctly prioritizes the protection and rights of criminal defendants, making it the correct answer in this context.