NCJ Number
89258
Date Published
1982
Length
196 pages
Annotation
The testimony presented speaks to issues related to the Omnibus Victims Protection Act of 1982, which is intended to enhance the protection of and services for crime victims.
Abstract
S. 2420 provides criminal penalties for the intimidation of or retaliation against witnesses or victims, and it broadens the authority of the Attorney General in protecting or relocating Federal witnesses. Further, it provides for restitution to be ordered in crimes involving loss of property or personal injury unless the judge states why restitution should not apply. The development of Federal guidelines to ensure the fair treatment of victims and witnesses by the criminal justice system is mandated, and it provides for a Federal standard that prohibits felons from receiving financial profit by selling movie, television, or book rights related to their crime. The Federal Government is made legally accountable for the grossly negligent early release of dangerous persons who subsequently commit crimes. Testimony by crime victims describes how the criminal justice system generally ignored them by not informing them of matters pertaining to their case and their involvement in its processing and by not providing direct or referral services to help them cope with the consequences of the crime. The testimony by public officials generally supports the bill, and the testimony by U.S. Rep. Hamilton Fisher describes the companion bill he will introduce in the House (H.R. 6508) and how it differs from the Senate bill. The executive director of the National Organization for Victim Assistance recommended that S. 2433 be adopted as an amendment to S. 2420, so that the legislative package will include protections from financial disaster for victims and their families. The legislation considered is included, along with witness' written statements.