NCJ Number
161057
Journal
Social Justice Research Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 329-350
Date Published
1995
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study examined the meaning of procedural justice to Dutch victims of crime.
Abstract
Using victimological research and the group-value or relational model of procedural justice developed by Lind and Tyler, a model for procedural justice judgments was developed and tested, using the structural equation model. Data used for the analysis consisted of 221 interview with victims regarding their experience with the police and 111 interviews with victims concerning their experience with the public prosecution. Although the emerging model differs from that of Lind and Tyler, findings support Lind and Tyler's assertion that procedural justice perceptions by victims are normative and not instrumental. The procedural justice judgments by victims were apparently better predicted with the police data than that of the prosecution. Findings show that victims want to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes showing an interest in the position of the victims and considering his or her views when handling the case. Both the police and the prosecution data show the relative importance of control issues in procedural justice judgments. Compared to process control, decision control is apparently of little importance to victims. The ability of the victim to influence the decision of the prosecution was the least important variable in the concept of respect. Although victims are concerned about process and feel they should be included in it, there is no evidence that victims want control over the outcome of the case. Implications are drawn for the management of victims by police and prosecutors. 4 figures, 4 tables, and 30 references