Peranan Bantuan Hukum Sebagai Jaminan Hak Tersangka Dalam (Due Process of Law) Pada Sistem Peradilan Pidana Indonesia

Legal aid is one of the fundamental elements in guaranteeing the human rights of suspects in the Indonesian criminal justice system. The principle of due process of law emphasizes the importance of a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory legal process as the main basis for protecting the rights of suspects. This study aims to analyze the role of legal aid in ensuring that suspects' rights are fulfilled fairly from the investigation stage to the trial. The method used is a normative legal approach by examining laws and regulations such as the Criminal Procedure Code and Law Number 16 of 2011 concerning Legal Aid. The results of the study indicate that at the investigation stage, suspects have the right to receive legal assistance as regulated in Article 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Under certain conditions, investigators are required to appoint legal counsel even though the suspect does not request it, as regulated in Article 56 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as a form of non-negotiable legal protection. At the trial stage, the role of legal counsel becomes very important in formulating defense strategies, exploring legal facts, and ensuring that each process runs according to the principles of a fair trial. Legal aid not only provides assistance, but also functions as a control mechanism against potential abuse of authority by law enforcement officers and as a means of educating the public about their legal rights. In a broader context, strengthening the legal aid system also reflects the state's commitment to protecting human rights and reforming the criminal justice system that is oriented towards substantive justice. Therefore, the integration of legal aid in every stage of the criminal process is an inseparable part of efforts to realize a legal system that is humanistic, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of community justice. Keyword: Criminal Procedure Code, Due process of law, Legal aid,legal advisor, Suspect's rights