NCJ Number
97117
Date Published
1984
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This final report of the Idaho Supreme Court's Ad Hoc Committee on Victims' Rights traces historical landmarks for the victims' rights movement, discusses the formation of the committee, and presents committee findings and recommendations.
Abstract
Subjects of the committee's meetings are described, and the sensitization of its members to the plight of victims is reported. Additionally, committee findings are highlighted; for example, the committee determined that courts, individual judges, and prosecutors are already making significant efforts to help both victims and witnesses. The committee also found a number of successful programs in Idaho which assist victims in collecting restitution payments ordered by the courts. However, despite identifying actions already being taken to assist victims and witnesses, the committee found a need to give greater attention to victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice process. It suggests establishing a 'Victims' Bill of Rights' to provide basic guarantees to victims. Recognizing the problems such legislation might pose, the committee recommends ways to combat those problems. Additionally, the committee recommends that restitution be required in all prosecutions and that seminars on victim and witness rights be provided for all judges. Appendixes contain minutes of committee meetings and the text of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982.