RELEVANCE OF THE VICTIM IN REGARD TO LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND FIXING PUNISHMENT (FROM VICTIMS OF OFFENSES - CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS - NIJMEGEN, NETHERLANDS, MARCH 26 & 27, 1971 - SEE NCJ-28430)

• NCJ Number: 28442
• Author(s): J J T CORSTEN
• Date Published: 1971
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

A CRIMINAL CASE HAS ONLY TWO PARTIES, THE ACCUSED AND THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE VICTIM HAS NO OFFICIAL POSITION - ORDINARILY, HE APPEARS AS A WITNESS BUT NOTHING MORE.

Abstract

HOWEVER, THE RELEVANCY OF THE VICTIM CAN VARY, DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. A NUMBER OF CASE HISTORIES ARE CITED, AND THE RELEVANCY OF THE VICTIM IN EACH OF THE CASES UNDER DUTCH LAW AND CUSTOMARY LEGAL PRACTICE IS DISCUSSED. IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT THE CRIMINAL LAW WILL BE ALTERED TO TAKE GREATER CARE OF THE VICTIM'S INTERESTS. INSTEAD, ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS WILL HAVE TO COME FROM EXISTING INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE THE MEANS AND THE EXPERTS THEY NEED TO BE EFFECTIVE. SUCH ASSISTANCE SHOULD COME NOT ONLY FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS BUT ALSO FROM ORGANIZATIONS OPERATING IN THE SOCIAL WORK AND MENTAL HEALTH AREAS. --IN DUTCH