Justice System Should Not Overemphasize the Rights of Victims (From America's Victims: Opposing Viewpoints, P 158-160, 1996, David Bender, Bruno Leone, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-165502)

• NCJ Number: 165522
• Author(s): A L Sonner
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Opposing Viewpoints Series

Annotation

Caution should be exercised when victim rights laws are enacted because victim impact statements may result in unequal sentences for criminals guilty of similar crimes and because victim rights reform may delay criminal trials.

Abstract

Legislative efforts designed to improve the treatment of victims should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny to assure that collateral consequences do not damage public prosecutions and fundamental fairness. Several States have found that victim rights reform causes expensive delays and additional work without improving victim satisfaction. Victim rights legislation poses a fundamental philosophical question--the extent to which personal feelings of victims should influence the outcome of criminal cases. Practical questions associated with victim rights reform concern to whom legislation should apply, costs of protecting victim rights, and the extent of court consultation with victims.