NCJ Number
176514
Date Published
1997
Length
246 pages
Annotation
This volume defines victims' rights and describes how law, politics, social activism, victims' advocates, and victim-impact evidence affect the status of this issue in the United States.
Abstract
This book first examines the role of the victim in history and how that role has been diminished in the United States as the stature of prosecutors has grown. It further examines the roots of constitutional amendments that pertain to the accused and considers how the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution in decisions concerning the treatment of the accused. It provides some actual scenarios of cases to show the way in which victims have been treated. Providing a detailed chronology of key events related to the promotion of victims' rights and the enforcement of stiffer penalties for criminals, this book also contains biographical sketches of individuals who have significantly contributed to upholding and extending crime victims' rights. Also included are current policies, crime- related legislation, and important U.S. Supreme Court cases. The latter cases delineate the rights of the accused, and later, confirm certain rights of victims. A directory of organizations committed to protecting the interests of crime victims describes each organization's function and purpose. The comprehensive bibliography of print and nonprint resources gives students access to addition information that promotes a better understanding of and sensitivity to victims' rights. A subject index