What is every citizen accused of a crime entitled to?

Every citizen accused of a crime is entitled to due process of law, which is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution. This means that the government must follow fair procedures and respect individual rights when prosecuting someone, ensuring that the accused person has the opportunity to defend themselves. Due process is designed to protect against arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property, and it guarantees that legal proceedings are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

While the other options are components of the justice system that can help ensure fair treatment, they are not universally guaranteed. For instance, not every accused individual has a right to a public defender, as this may depend on their financial situation. Additionally, the right to a jury of peers is an important aspect of many legal systems but may not apply in all cases, such as in certain misdemeanor trials. A fair trial is a goal of the justice system, but due process encompasses a broader range of rights that ensure fairness throughout the legal process. Thus, due process of law is the correct and overarching answer that includes many of the individual rights cited in the other choices.