NCJ Number
85399
Date Published
1980
Length
252 pages
Annotation
This study explores the role of victim advocacy in the criminal justice process and the potential for representation in court of individual crime victims.
Abstract
The research focused on a program implemented by the South East Chicago Commission (SECC), a Hyde Park area community organization. It provided a staff lawyer to serve as a victim advocate. A literature review, observation of the advocate's interactions with victims and other persons in the criminal justice process, interviews of victims, interviews of prosecutors, and analysis of SECC and court files formed the basis of the analysis. Victims were referred to the program mainly by police and University of Chicago personnel. The program focused mainly on victims affiliated with the university and incidents occurring on or near the campus. Victims tended to report crimes out of a sense of obligation and regardless of their beliefs that the criminal justice system could do little to apprehend or deal with the offender. The advocate's activities were mainly those traditionally part of the prosecution, including scheduling court appearances and transporting victims to court. The advocate's actions tended to be prosecution oriented. The advocate also used adverse publicity or the threat of it to pressure prosecutors and judges to respond to his concerns. The advocate also acted as an expediter of case handling. Most victims who had contact with the advocate felt that the advocate was supportive, helpful, or informative. The lack of a client with standing in the adjudicative process impeded the advocate. Individual victims or their advocates may be allowed greater participation in the criminal justice process if the current interest in victims continues. Tables, notes, and 182 references are provided.