Which concept emphasizes that legal rights and processes must be respected in criminal proceedings?

The concept that emphasizes the necessity of respecting legal rights and processes in criminal proceedings is procedural due process. This principle guarantees that individuals are afforded fair and reasonable procedures when they are subjected to government action, particularly in the context of criminal justice. It safeguards the rights of individuals by ensuring that they have the opportunity to be heard, present their case, and defend themselves against accusations in a fair manner.

Procedural due process dictates that certain steps must be followed to ensure justice is served, such as the right to a trial, the right to counsel, and the right to an impartial jury. This reinforces the idea that the state must follow established rules and legal procedures in prosecuting individuals, which helps to prevent arbitrary and unjust actions against them.

In contrast, options like substantive due process involve the protection of certain fundamental rights from government interference, while affirmative defenses relate to specific responses a defendant may present in a case. Password protections do not pertain to legal rights in criminal proceedings at all. Thus, focusing on procedural due process reveals the importance of adhering to established legal frameworks that govern the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.