NCJ Number
117597
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 9-10,12,14
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The progress of the victims movement over the past several years shows that criminal justice in the United States has entered an era of commitment to the rights of the innocent, law-abiding victims of crime.
Abstract
For a long time most legal systems have in theory contained provisions through which victims might obtain compensation or restitution. In practice, however, most of these provisions were rarely used and were largely ineffective. The Task Force on Victims of Crime appointed by the President in 1982 made clear the seriousness of the plight of victims and the range of possible reforms. In October 1982 the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act became law. The Victims of Crime Act was enacted in 1984. The Department of Justice continues to play a major role in advancing the victims movement through programs sponsored by its Office of Justice Programs. These programs include a computerized information clearinghouse, the development of model victim legislation for States, a missing children's program, training efforts, research, and crime prevention campaigns. State and local efforts have also grown. Further needs are more active involvement of physicians and other service providers, efforts to reach previously underserved victim populations, examination of the implications of AIDS, study of the issue of accountability of custodial officials, and a constitutional amendment on victims' rights.