Principle of Due Process
I view many events through the proverbial lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as I’ll provide a psychoeducational lesson that involves thinking and believing which is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason), or not (i.e., irrational), as it regards REBT herein.
Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. For instance, a modus ponens syllogism uses the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.
Before I provide an example, it may be useful to know that one source states, “A theory is, in general, any hypothesis or set of ideas about something, formed in any number of ways through any sort of reasoning for any sort of reason.” Colloquially, a “theory” alludes to a mere belief.
If every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p), then every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q). Every theory in which I believe possibly could be true or real (p). Therefore, every theory in which I believe empirically must be true or real (q).
This proposition follows logical form; yet I argue that it isn’t reasonable, because what could be isn’t necessarily what is. Thus, I consider this syllogistic belief as that relating to irrationality. Nevertheless, I have little doubt that at least one person on this planet disagrees with my outlook.
Noteworthy, my worldview is subjective (characteristic of or belonging to reality as perceived rather than as independent of mind). Thus, not everyone agrees with what everybody else deems as rational or not. Irrespective of advocacy for equality, not everyone maintains the same views.
For clarity, the American Psychological Association defines subjective as “taking place or existing only within the mind,” and defines objective as “having verifiable existence in the external world, independently of any opinion or judgment.”
Also, a rational perspective for one person may not be considered rational by members of a group. For example, people dedicating themselves to the practice of science may fervently disagree with referring to a mere belief as a “theory.” I agree! Yet, this is my subjective view.
In any event, I maintain a subjective principle (a fundamental rule, standard, or precept, especially in matters of morality or personal conduct) regarding due process (the administration of the law according to established and accepted principles, especially those upholding natural justice and the rights of the accused).
Often, when voicing advocacy for due process as a fundamental principle, I place myself in the uneasy position of perceivably trampling upon the supposed equal right protections of others. For instance, I stated in Due Process: Too Much Power (7/10/2026):
I’ve lost track of how many boys and men I’ve known who were non-credibly alleged to have committed sexual assault and rape, and whose rung bells continue ringing till this day. Even when using tools of REBT, a person’s life may be ruined by such echoes of false accusations.
Also, it’s as though one can set a timer for an allegation of wrongdoing once a man chooses to run for public office. You want to be president? You have ambitions to serve as a state representative. You want to be a governor or mayor? Prepare to have your bell rung!
Until society stops rewarding bad behavior (i.e., holding proverbial trials in the court of public opinion) and begins judicially punishing those who bring false claims of sexual assault and rape, then due process will continue being trampled upon while too much power is given to women.
Still, irrespective of whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’ve been non-credibly accused of sexual assault or rape, I invite you to practice the techniques of REBT. Even of your life may be ruined by echoes of false allegations, you can tolerate and accept the ringing sound of injustice!
To a feminist, girl dad, or wife guy, my principle of due process may appear as though I maintain an anti-female (girl and woman) stance. Quite the contrary! Rather, I advocate due process rights for both females and males (boys and men).
This means that when females and males are accused of sexual assault and rape, I maintain that their cases preferably should be tried in a relevant legal setting rather than in the so-called court of public opinion. For instance, I stated in What Brand of Feminism is This? (9/18/2023):
For those unaware, Russell Brand has recently been accused of “rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.” I have no personal information regarding the validity of these claims.
Additionally, I support the idea of due process—the notion that government actors be required to follow certain procedures before they may deprive a person of a protected life, liberty, or property interest. Unfortunately, I’m well aware that this standard isn’t supported by all people.
In particular, even if Brand is subjected to strict legal scrutiny and is ultimately acquitted of these charges, the court of public opinion may rule against him. This could have devastating effects on Brand’s life and without an end in sight. […]
Although I don’t support feminist rhetoric and I reject the “believe women” mantra, for those who are quick to publicly convict Brand in the court of public opinion, at what point does your hypocrisy stop?
Preemptively, spare me the “rape apologist” label, because a case for rationality isn’t akin to support for criminal behavior. If you irrationally believe otherwise, that’s an iss-YOU, not an iss-ME.
In that post, I advocated the principle of due process, not necessarily supported Brand—who is merely a fallible human being—or his alleged behavior. Now, I use Bayesian reasoning to update my beliefs about matters once new evidence emerges. Thus, consider that one source reports:
Summary:
· Brand convicted of four offences, including one rape charge
· He denied all charges, saying he never had non-consensual sex
· Comedian faces lengthy prison term when sentenced on Monday [11/5/2026]
· Police say they ‘think there are other victims out there’
A separate source states of the 11/5/2026 verdict, “A jury in London found the actor and YouTuber [Brand] guilty of one count of rape and three of sexual assault. He was cleared of three other charges.” Given this newly-emerged evidence, I’ve updated my stance on Brand.
While I still maintain that he’s a fallible human being who’s now an apparently convicted rapist and sexual assaulter, I appreciate that this matter was subject to a proper legal process – not solely the court of public opinion. Therefore, my principle of due process remains consistent.
Now, I invite you to consider the rational approach to assessing claims of sexual assault and rape that I’ve outlined herein. Even if you automatically “believe” females or males regarding claims of wrongdoing, perhaps you, too, can maintain a logical and reasonable principle of due process.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
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