NCJ Number
149465
Date Published
1993
Length
88 pages
Annotation
In May 1992, the National Council of Victim Support (U.K.) appointed a working party to consider arrangements for the payment of victim compensation by criminal offenders.
Abstract
This report bases its proposed system of a state compensation scheme on two broad principles of compensation: the basis of assessment and the victim's qualification for assessment. After reviewing the extant system of victim compensation, this paper lays out the features of a new compensation plan, under which crime victims would receive state compensation on the basis of pain, suffering and the loss of amenity; psychological injury; loss of income; medical treatment; loss or damage; and family bereavement due to homicide. This paper envisions a tariff scheme of compensation, in which fees would for the most part be constructed on the basis of the injuries suffered, rather than the type of offense committed. The proposal covers restrictive conditions, discretion to be exercised in the award of compensation, procedures, special cases, levels of award, legal advice and judicial review, audits, agency structure, statutory basis, and implementation. Other forms of recognition and support for the victim should take the form of victim services, additional compensation and financial support, insurance, employer support, and avenues for direct offender reparation. 18 references and 3 appendixes