Victims' Rights

Victims' rights are legal rights afforded to victims of crime.

Contents

History

Victim movements in the U.S. grew in the 1970s. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan's Task Force on Victims of Crime released its Final Report. The report drew attention to the re-victimization of crime victims within the criminal justice system. It contained 68 recommendations for service providers and government officials, many of which are mandated through victims' rights legislation today.[1]

United States Federal Provisions

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund, which awards grants to crime victim compensation programs, victim notification systems, and victim assistance programs.[2] The Fund is financed by offender fees.

Crime Victims' Rights Act of 2004

The Crime Victims' Rights Act, part of the Justice for All Act of 2004, enumerates the rights afforded to victims in federal criminal cases. The Act grants victims the following rights:[3]

  1. The right to protection from the accused,
  2. The right to notification,
  3. The right to attend proceedings,
  4. The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings,
  5. The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney,
  6. The right to restitution,
  7. The right to a speedy trial,
  8. The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The Crime Victims' Rights Act was named for Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn, murder victims whose families were denied some or all of the rights granted by the Act in the course of their cases.[4]

U.S. State-Granted Rights

Many states have adopted constitutional amendments guaranteeing rights to victims of crime. The scope of such amendments varies by state, but generally include some or all elements of the Crime Victims' Rights Act.[5]

References

External links