NCJ Number
86214
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The 1979 bill passed by the U.S. Senate to reauthorize LEAA for an additional 5 years includes language in nearly every part that makes victims' rights an integral part of the LEAA program.
Abstract
Early in the 'Declaration and Purpose' section of the bill making crime victims a more integral part of the criminal justice system is mandated. Further, LEAA is instructed to 'cooperate with and render technical assistance to States, units of local government, and other public and private organizations or agencies involved in victim/witness assistance activities.' Additionally, the Authorization Bill establishes a National Institute of Justice, which has authority to engage in and encourage and development to improve and strengthen criminal justice systems and furnish the results of such efforts to Federal, State, and local governments. Among other things, the institute is authorized to conduct research into the problems of victims and witnesses of crime, to devise new ways of involving victims in criminal justice decisionmaking, and to investigate the feasibility and desirability of adopting procedures and programs which will increase victim participation in the criminal justice process. Perhaps most important, LEAA is authorized to make grants to State and local governments as well as private organizations to develop and implement programs that assist crime victims and witnesses, including restitution, official victim/witness assistance programs, programs that encourage and promote victim and witness participation in the criminal justice process, and programs designed to prevent crimes involving victims. Three notes are listed.