NCJ Number
92122
Date Published
1983
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet sets forth 13 guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and provides a commentary to each.
Abstract
The guidelines relate to such matters as providing victims with information on social services, compensation and restitution programs, the victim/witness role in the criminal justice process, and protections against unlawful intimidation. Further points made in the guidelines specify notifying victims of court schedules, and the defendant's initial appearance at court, case disposition, and release. The last three guidelines suggest that victims be consulted prior to sentencing so that the sentencing body can become informed of the crime's physical, psychological, and financial repercussions and so that economic loss can be restituted and lost property returned as expeditiously as possible. The text of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 and a victim/witness project questionnaire are appended. For the text of the Act, see NCJ-92123.