NCJ Number
228371
Date Published
2009
Length
270 pages
Annotation
This book examines the practical outcomes of reform, and assesses the meaning, implications, and impact of the government's pledge to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.
Abstract
This book examines the role of victims within the substantive trial procedure prior to the sentencing stage in England and Wales. Chapter 1 provides background on victims, victimology, and policymaking. Chapter 2 reviews contemporary questions raised by victimologists concerning the place of victims within an adversarial criminal justice system, such as victim rights; the provision of facilities, services, and support to victims; and the issues arising when victims give evidence in criminal trials, including vulnerable or intimidated victims. Chapter 3 examines the driving forces behind progression of official actions on crime victims to determine if such actions can be classified as a unified strategy. Chapter 4 explores one possible model or an important component of a model for victim-centered criminal justice. Chapters 5 and 6 provide the main empirical results. Data are organized in a chronological fashion following the victim through the trial process. Chapter 5 examines the support and facilities available to victims and other witnesses before the trial, while chapter 6 examines the trial itself, especially the evidence-giving process, and the position of the victims after the trial. Chapter 7 examines the issues and results presented in all the preceding chapters and offers analysis of the key issues regarding the role of the victims at the heart of criminal justice; based on all the data gathered for this project, best practices are discussed. Tables, figures, notes, references, and index