Skilan Pullam
Intro to Criminal Justice
Dr. Patricia Simmons
July 6, 2026
Chapter 1
The model I am more closely aligned with is the due process model because everyone deserves
to be considered innocent until proven guilty. According to the Chapter 1 lecture, the due process
model focuses on protecting the rights of suspects and placing limits on police powers to help
prevent innocent people from being convicted. Those protections are important because they
allow the criminal justice system to make decisions based on evidence instead of assumptions or
accusations. A criminal conviction can have a lasting impact on a person's life, so every case
should be carefully investigated before a final decision is made. Following the legal process
helps ensure that justice is carried out fairly and that every person has the opportunity to defend
themselves before a decision is reached.
Our society currently favors the crime control model because many people expect the criminal
justice system to reduce crime as quickly as possible. The Chapter 1 lecture notes show that the
crime control model focuses on suppressing crime by trying, convicting, and incarcerating
offenders as efficiently as possible. This approach appeals to many because public safety is one
of society’s biggest concerns. Many people want law enforcement and the courts to respond
quickly when crimes are committed so offenders can be held accountable for their actions.
Responding quickly can help communities feel safer and increase confidence in the criminal
justice system. However, placing too much focus on speed may increase the risk of important
facts being overlooked during an investigation.
Overall, both models serve an important purpose within the criminal justice system. The due
process model focuses on making sure people receive fair treatment under the law, while the
crime control model focuses on reducing crime and protecting communities. Although I am more
closely aligned with the due process model, I understand why society often favors the crime
control model because I personally believe that the criminal justice system works best when it
balances both models by protecting communities while also making sure every person is treated
fairly under the law.