NCJ Number
127148
Journal
Pepperdine Law Review Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 1-18
Date Published
1989
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This review of progress in crime victims' rights from 1984 through 1989 focuses on legislation, Federal executive-branch initiatives, relevant U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and private victims' rights activities.
Abstract
The Federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 established grants to States for victim compensation, victim assistance programs, and child abuse prevention and treatment. State legislatures have continued to respond enthusiastically to the victims' movement, notably in the areas of victim impact statements, victims' rights to allocution at sentencing, rape shield laws, and the extension of statutes of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. Pursuant to the 1984 Federal Victims Act, the Reagan administration established the Office on Victims which administers funds appropriated for crime victims and provides technical assistance for victims' organizations. There is evidence that the Bush administration will continue Federal initiatives for crime victims. U.S. Supreme Court decisions pertinent to victims' rights have had a mixed impact on the victims' rights movement. Although a number of cases have undermined the legal rights of crime victims, other decisions have sympathized with victims' needs. Two private organizations that have been particularly effective in achieving progress in victims' rights are the National Organization for Victim Assistance, Inc., and the National Victim Center. 73 footnotes