NCJ Number
126713
Date Published
1988
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The position of victims in the criminal justice system has changed considerably in recent years to recognize that victims have certain rights.
Abstract
Concern about victim suffering in the criminal justice system has gone hand-in-hand with perceptions of injustice. People feel strongly that the system has been unfair to victims and that they deserve better. The provision of services to victims depends on the way in which the criminal justice system is structured in particular countries. Provisions for victims in England and Wales have developed at different times, independently and without any coordinating policy or framework. The result is a number of measures which may be effective individually in meeting victim needs but which are peripheral to primary criminal justice system concerns. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board was established in England in 1964 to provide State compensation to violent crime victims. In addition, courts have the power to order offenders to pay compensation as part of sentencing. The position of the victim in all criminal justice systems gives rise to two common demands: the requirement that professionals recognize the important role of victims in reporting, investigating, and giving evidence; and recognition that victims do not want to take over the criminal justice system but do want to be consulted about major court decisions and informed of criminal case progress. Victims have rights in the same manner as do offenders. In ascertaining these rights, attention should be focused on actual needs and claims and not on what people think victims should have. 32 references and 4 footnotes