NCJ Number
102376
Date Published
1985
Length
153 pages
Annotation
This directory summarizes 1985 State legislation on victim rights and services, presented by subject and State.
Abstract
State laws enacted and pending (introduced in 1985 but not passed by August 15, 1985) encompassed victim compensation, funding of victim services, victim bill of rights, victim involvement in sentencing, victim participation, restitution, victim-witness notification, protection from intimidation, and offender financial profits from notoriety. Important victim rights innovations included privacy for victims' names and addresses, establishment of victims' right to attend case trials, the speedy disposition of cases involving traumatic crimes, and the specification of distinctive child victims' rights. Other significant legislation pertains to compensation for victim counseling, counselor confidentiality, drunk driving laws, and the insanity defense. Sample 1985 statutes include South Carolina's victim compensation law, California's victim services funding, Massachusetts' victim bill of rights, Maryland's victim impact statement, Utah's restitution, Arizona's parole notification, and Pennsylvania's counselor confidentiality law. Also included are the Federal Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 and the 1984 Victims of Crime Act. 3 charts.