NCJ Number
11455
Date Published
1973
Length
27 pages
Annotation
REVIEW AND CRITIQUE OF ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION, REVIEW OF HISTORICAL CONSIDERATIONS, AND COMPARISON WITH OTHER PENAL APPROACHES.
Abstract
INTEREST IN VICTIM COMPENSATION FOR HARM SUFFERED INCREASING. TWO BASIC ALTERNATIVES ARE CONSIDERED, CIVIL ACTION AND COMPENSATION ON THE INSURANCE PRINCIPLE. THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EACH ARE NOTED. THE AUTHORS RECOMMEND AND DISCUSS VARIOUS PRACTICAL COMPENSATION MEANS. THESE INCLUDE RESTITUTION AS A PROBATION OR PAROLE CONDITION, LEVYING OF FINES TO COMPENSATE VICTIMS, CIVIL ATTACHMENT OF PRISONS OR NONINSTITUTIONAL EARNINGS, COMBINATION OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, PRIVATE OR PUBLIC INSURANCE ON A PREDETERMINED ACTUARIAL BASIS, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LOSS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CRIMINAL TRIAL. WHATEVER SOLUTION IS TRIED, THE AUTHORS RECOMMEND THAT IT MUST BE SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE, AND AVAILABLE AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO THE VICTIM.