NCJ Number
76980
Date Published
1980
Length
32 pages
Annotation
National victim compensation legislation is advocated, using Tennessee legislation as a model.
Abstract
The difference between victim compensation and restitution is discussed. The advantages of victim compensation and restitution, such as reimbursement for losses, increase of crime reporting, rehabilitation, savings in tax dollars, and deterrence of white-collar crime, are indicated. A profile of the person likely to benefit from victim compensation is also outlined. The report supports the need for Federal guidance in the development of a compensation program, citing the Tennessee legislation as a guide for Federal action. Tennessee's law mandates that every person convicted of a crime against a person or property must pay $21 to the victim compensation fund; $1 of this amount is retained by the court to cover administrative costs. Further, every employed releasee under the jurisdiction of the Department of Correction must contribute $5 per month to the criminal injuries compensation fund, beginning 30 days from the date employment begins. Using this legislation as a model, a Federal victim compensation scheme could almost be self-supporting. The Tennessee statute is appended, along with a table showing selected provisions of victim compensation statutes in 15 States (1976) and 10 references.