NCJ Number
180747
Journal
Western Criminology Review Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 1998
Date Published
1998
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Focus groups with juvenile court judges and victims of juvenile crime in four States formed the basis of a qualitative analysis of judicial support and resistance to the idea of the victim as a client of juvenile justice and a coparticipant in the justice process.
Abstract
Victims regarded the juvenile court and juvenile justice system experience in almost uniformly negative terms, particularly with respect to a lack of respect for their dignity as human beings and little court acknowledgment of them as victims. Victims were unanimous in their opinion that their most important expectation of court professionals was to be treated with respect. Their second priority was the opportunity to be heard and to have input into the court's decision making process. Judges seemed surprised at victims' interest in offender rehabilitation; often had reservations about victims' capacity to understand the court process and participate with rationality and respect; and agreed that crucial victim needs were notification about hearings and court processes, restitution, and safety. Victims were strongly supportive of restorative justice practices as long as participation was voluntary. However, judges were equivocal in their support. Some judges' resistance to reform to increase victim involvement appeared to rest more on concerns about a loss of power or about perceived challenges in dealing with crime victims. However, the positive response of some judges to restorative justice reforms suggested that courts and juvenile justice professionals may also have much to gain by transforming the focus of the court response to take account of the needs of victims and communities, as well as the needs and risks presented by offenders. 61 references