NCJ Number
98440
Journal
Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology Volume: 75 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1984) Pages: 491-505
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The Victim Involvement Project (VIP) which aids victims in gaining greater participation in and understanding of criminal court adjudication was begun as samples of data were collected on these program segments: (1) interviews with victims, (2) case outcomes based on computerized court information, and (3) records of restitution orders and written admonishments. Results indicate that VIP's presence seemed to help humanize the court process for victims. Victims were excused from attending more scheduled court dates in VIP's court part (36 percent) than in the control part (25 percent). However, VIP was less successful in satisfying victims who desired punitive outcomes than those who desired restitution or protection. VIP was also hampered by the lack of incentive for officials to include victims' interests routinely in deciding case outcomes. VIP's experience also suggests that because disincentives for officials to consider victims' interests are strong, programmatic action may not bring about change unless it is accompanied by legislative action mandating that victims be given the chance to express their opinions orally or in writing. Tabular data and 40 reference notes are provided.