International Summaries: Role of the Victim of Crime in European Criminal Justice Systems -- A Cross-national Study

• NCJ Number: 116754
• Author(s): M Joutsen
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NIJ/NCJRS International Summary of The Role of the Victim of Crime in European Criminal Justice Systems: A Cross-National Study of the Role of the Victim, 1987 NCJ-105139.

Annotation

Criminal law and policy related to the status and role of crime victims in 15 European countries is discussed based on the flow of a case through the criminal justice system.

Abstract

Issues examined included how citizen crime prevention can be encouraged, the definition of crime victim, victim rights and responsibilities, victim compensation, victim alternatives to the criminal justice system, and the impact of statements by the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Results revealed that the victim movement has taken varied directions in European countries as a result of different ideologies regarding caring for the victim, offender rehabilitation, retribution, and the minimalist theory. In addition, victim involvement in case processing differs significantly. In most socialist countries, legislation requires that victims be provided with case information, whereas in Western European countries victims receive case information according to administrative regulations or guidelines. The Scandinavian countries provide a State-appointed victim contact person in certain cases. Restitution is available in all countries, but many critics say that compensation systems are so limited that they are symbolic rather than beneficial. The countries also vary in their adherence to guidelines of the United Nations and Council of Europe.