Victim Input at Parole: Probative or Prejudicial? (From Hearing the Victim: Adversarial Justice, Crime Victims and the State, P 255-284, 2010, Anthony Bottoms and Julian V. Roberts, eds.- See NCJ-231063)

• NCJ Number: 231073
• Author(s): Nicola Padfield; Julian V. Roberts
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 30 pages
• Sale Source: Willan Publishing
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This chapter examines the controversial role of the victim in the decision to release an offender from prison.

Abstract

Given the ambiguity that surrounds the role of the victim at the sentencing stage of the criminal process, it is hardly surprising that uncertainties exist when it comes to the decision to release an offender from prison. This essay attempts to clarify whether increased victim participation at parole represents a belated recognition of legitimate victim interests in the criminal process, or simply another example of populist and potentially punitive justice. The growing awareness of the rights and needs of victims are noted throughout the chapter; however, the proper role for the crime victim in decisions taken to release the offender from prison is questioned. The decision to release is as important as the decision to imprison, and should be taken by accountable judicial bodies, acting according to rules that are clear to all participants. Notes and references