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Expanding the Role of the Victim in a Criminal Action - An Overview of Issues and Problems

NCJ Number
95128
Journal
Pepperdine Law Review Volume: 11 Dated: (1984) Pages: 117-182
Author(s)
J Gittler
Date Published
1984
Length
66 pages
Annotation
There is a growing recognition that crime victims have identifiable interests of sufficient legitimacy and significance to justify expanding their role in criminal proceedings beyond that as a mere non-party witness.
Abstract
This article traces the history of the victim in society and suggests reforms which will help to place the crime victim back into a more meaningful position in the American criminal justice system. Comparisons are made between differing state, national, and international victim programs and the author provides some well-needed insight into the costs and benefits of implementing new ideas which would assist in redefining the role of the victim in a criminal action. A total of 209 footnotes are provided. (Author abstract modified)