Defending Due Process

Why Fairness Matters in a Polarized World

Brandon L. Garrett

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English

Polity Press
17 March 2025

Judicial powers

We all feel unfairness deeply when treated in rash ways. We expect, and the law requires, government officials to take fairness seriously, giving us notice and an opportunity to be heard before taking our rights away. That is why the U.S. Constitution commands, twice, that no one shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Yet, in overheated debates, people argue that others do not deserve any presumption of innocence. In courtrooms and colleges, police stations and jails, restaurants and libraries, print and online, the democratic value of due process is up for grabs.

Why is due process under so much pressure? Brandon Garrett exposes widening fault lines. One division lies within our own attitudes, and he explores why we are tempted to put desired outcomes before fair process. Another lies in government, as judges adopt toothless due process rules. People are trapped in debt for unpaid traffic fines; sheriffs seize and forfeit belongings; algorithms suspend teachers’ employment; officials use flawed data to cancel healthcare; and magistrates order arrestees to be jailed because they cannot pay cash bail. Meanwhile, the rise of AI threatens what remains of due process with black-box technology.

To fight against such unfairness, lawyers try to challenge unjust systems, researchers demonstrate why such processes are so counterproductive, and lawmakers try to enact new protections. Common ground matters now more than ever to mend political polarization, cool simmering distrust of government, prevent injudicious errors, and safeguard constitutional rights. A revival of due process is long overdue.

By: Brandon L. Garrett
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 231mm, Width: 160mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 499g
ISBN: 9781509563876
ISBN 10: 1509563873
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 17 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Brandon L. Garrett is the L. Neil Williams, Jr. Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law. A leading scholar of criminal justice outcomes, evidence, and constitutional rights, he is the author of several books, and has published numerous articles in leading law reviews and scientific journals. His work has been widely cited by courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal courts, state supreme courts, and courts in other countries. He is the founder and faculty director of the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke.

Reviews for Defending Due Process: Why Fairness Matters in a Polarized World

"""Defending Due Process is stunning in its originality; in every way, a superb book that deserves a wide readership. I know of no other work like it."" Erwin Chemerinsky, University of California, Berkeley"