NCJ Number
122129
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 2 Dated: special issue (1987) Pages: 392-408
Date Published
1987
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Unintended victimization resulting from the United States government's policy of protecting organized crime witnesses is addressed with descriptions of the victimization taken from court cases against the United States of America in which the victims (complainants) identify themselves and state their grievances.
Abstract
These cases address the negative consequences of the policy, especially in possibly abrogating the constitutional rights of citizens and hence victimizing them. The government's decision to protect organized crime witnesses demonstrates that criminal justice policy is in a constant state of flux and that policy makers must be confronted with the possible negative consequences of their policy before they react. It also illustrates the trial and error basis of criminal justice policy, pointing out the occurrence of unforeseen and often unintended results of policy. 26 references. (Author abstract modified)