Sentencing Process: Some Notes on Victim Involvement (From Armed Robbery: Proceedings of a Seminar Held 22-24 March 1988, P 93-100, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-119997)

• NCJ Number: 120007
• Author(s): R Whitrod
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-119997.

Annotation

Victims welcome the return of the principle that punishment should fit the crime, however, they should be able to have some input into determination of punishment.

Abstract

The United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power recognizes this by stating that the needs of victims should be facilitated by allowing the views and concerns of victims to be presented and considered at certain stages of the proceedings where their personal interests are affected. In South Australia, legislation was introduced to require consideration of injury to the victim in the form of a victim impact statement. Arguments against victim impact statements include inconsistency in sentencing, lengthening of court hearings, and lack of focus on rehabilitating the offender. 4 references.