CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION - THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THE SECOND DEBATE

• NCJ Number: 41016
• Journal: Victimology Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (WINTER 1976) Pages: 503-516
• Author(s): L L LAMBORN
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 14 pages
• Corporate Author: Visage Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ALTHOUGH PROPONENTS OF GOVERNMENT CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION HAVE YET TO AGREE ON A COMMON RATIONALE, THE CONCEPT HAS BEEN ACCORDED GENERAL SUPPORT, AT LEAST IN THEORY, BY ACADEMICIANS, LEGISLATORS, AND THE PUBLIC.

Abstract

NEITHER THE BEST OF THE EXPECTATIONS NOR THE WORST OF THE DOUBTS OF THE 1960'S HAVE BEEN REALIZED IN EXISTING PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAMS DO DEMONSTRATE THAT AT LEAST LIMITED COMPENSATION CAN BE AWARDED WITHOUT EXHORBITANT EXPENSE TO THE STATE, BUT NONE HAS YET ATTEMPTED TO PROVIDE BENEFITS FOR ALL VICTIMS OF CRIME. THE FUTURE SHOULD BRING GRADUAL EXPANSION IN THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF PROGRAMS FOR CRIME VICTIMS AND IN THE EXTENT OF BENEFITS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM. IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT SUCCESS IN MAKING CRIME VICTIMS WHOLE WILL PROMPT ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL PERSONS IN NEED. THE APPENDIX LISTS REFERENCES AS WELL AS MORE THAN 30 COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS WHICH HAVE ADOPTED 'COMPREHENSIVE' CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...ELW