Position of the Victim Within the Framework of the Criminal Justice System in Yugoslavia (From Changing Victim Policy: The United Nations Victim Declaration and Recent Developments in Europe: Report on Expert Group Meeting, 1988, Helsinki, P 157-166, 1989 -- See NCJ-122412)

• NCJ Number: 122419
• Author(s): Z P Separovic; I Josipovic
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (HEUNI)
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

Yugoslavia was actively involved in the development of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims and has a legal framework that recognizes victims' needs in several ways.

Abstract

Yugoslavia's Criminal Procedure Act does not use the concept of "victim;" instead, it speaks of the "injured party" who has suffered harm through personal injury or property damage or loss as a result of a criminal act. Such an injured party has the right to private prosecution in certain petty cases, as well as the right to prosecute if the public prosecutor dismisses the case or declines to prosecute. The injured party can also file civil claims in criminal proceedings, submit evidence, be heard, and have an authorized representative. One study has shown that a large proportion of victims have received restitution either before or soon after the main trial. Yugoslavia also has conciliatory councils, and all crimes prosecuted by a private complaint must first be submitted to conciliation. Finally, among current issues of concern are the protection of women and unborn children and the prevention of domestic violence.