NCJ Number
92143
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1983) Pages: 463-469
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This proposed charter of rights for crime victims addresses reparation, treatment by the criminal justice system, nonjudicial alternatives to conflict resolution, and social reforms.
Abstract
The charter first asserts that Canadians have a right to protection from criminals through government and private efforts, as well as a personal responsibility to improve self-protection. Second, citizens have a right to reparation from injury, loss, trauma, and other consequences of a crime at no cost to themselves. Third, victims have the right to proper information and preferred treatment from the media, police, judicial, and correctional authorities. This includes being informed of progress in legal proceedings and corrections measures taken, the right to legal representation by the Crown prosecutor, having property returned as soon as it is found, and protection from any threats resulting from the complaint. The fourth right proposes alternatives to the criminal justice system for resolving conflicts arising from a criminal problem situation and envisions replacing the criminal justice system with de jure decriminalization programs. Finally, the victim has a right to a social system with less injustice and conflict that will reduce crime. The author suggests the Ministry of Justice appoint a public prosecutor for victims, demand that Federal and provincial governments proclaim this charter, reallocate budget monies to victim assistance programs, challenge the Civil Liberties Unions to take the initiative in creating victims' rights offices, and promote an annual Canadian victims week. The paper contains 17 references.