JUDICIAL ASPECTS CONCERNING THE VICTIM IN THE AMERICAN JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

A couple of decades ago, victims had few, if any, rights to be informed, present and heard within theAmerican criminal justice system. Moreover, victim assistance programs were virtually non-existent. Yet, therehave been taken steps in this respect and made tremendous strides in the granting of mandated participatoryrights for victims of crime and delivery of services to crime victims. Victims' rights statutes have significantlyinfluenced the manner in which victims are treated within the federal, state and local criminal justice systems.