Which are the four core pillars of procedural justice?

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Procedural justice centers on how the process unfolds in police encounters, not just what the final outcome is. The four elements that define this approach are Voice, Transparency, Fairness, and Impartiality. Allowing a person to have a voice means giving them a chance to share their side and any relevant information before a decision is made. Transparency involves clearly explaining what is happening and why decisions are being taken, so the process isn’t a mystery. Fairness calls for applying rules and standards consistently and treating people with equitable consideration. Impartiality means making decisions based on facts and law, free from personal bias or favoritism. When these elements are present, people are more likely to view the process as legitimate and comply with outcomes, even if the result isn’t what they wanted. Choices that emphasize speed, secrecy, punishment, or purely organizational aims don’t capture the fairness-oriented, participatory nature of procedural justice.