Justice on Trial: The Broken Foundations of the Courts of America

Abstract

This paper explores the ethical, legal, and societal consequences of bypassing judicial procedures in the pursuit of criminal convictions. It examines whether securing a conviction at the cost of due process supports or undermines the core principles of justice. Using landmark cases like Williams v. Pennsylvania and Liteky v. United States, the paper highlights how violations of judicial ethics—such as failing to recuse or showing bias—can lead to wrongful convictions and damage public trust in the legal system. Beyond individual cases, these failures point to broader risks, including systemic abuses of power and weakened accountability. The analysis ultimately argues that due process is not a formality, but a fundamental safeguard that ensures fairness, protects rights, and upholds the rule of law.