NCJ Number
75091
Date Published
1980
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This booklet describes a multifaceted, statewide program conducted in California to focus attention on crime victims and to improve society's treatment of those who have been victimized by the criminal acts of others and who thus become enmeshed in the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Each year, California's Forgotten Victims Week emphasizes forgotten victims are everyone: that they are the potential victims of crime, as well as the actual victims who have already suffered loss, harm, pain, or death at the hands of criminals. One indication of the growing concern for crime victims is an assembly bill to require notice and opportunity to be heard for crime victims in sentencing proceedings. If it becomes law, sentencing judges would have to consider crime victims' views before disposing of criminal cases. In addition, the improved climate surrounding crime victims has resulted in progress in five other major areas: (1) broadened legislative and judicial initiatives, (2) strengthened crime prevention efforts, (3) expanded crime victims compensation, (4) improved crime victim/witness assistance programs, and (5) evolving crime victims' rights litigation. In an effort to better protect the public, indeterminate sentencing was abolished in 1976 and a new determinate sentencing law was implemented. Laws to improve peace officers' and prosecutors' ability to locate, prosecute, and imprison career criminals were adopted in 1977; the death penalty was also restored. The goal of California Crime Watch is to conduct a coordinated, vigorous, and effective statewide crime prevention crusade to reduce crime and violence. The booklet describes the media, advertising, political, and legal aspects of this program. Advertisements, and legislative resolutions are duplicated and presented within the text.