Task Force On Victim Of Crime

Abstract In 1982, President Ronald Reagan created the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime in order to address the needs of millions of Americans and their families who were victims of crime every year. The task force goal was to review the policies and programs that affected crime victims and then advise the president along with the Attorney General of any actions that was needed in order to improve efforts in assisting and protecting victims. The findings showed a lack of compensation and services for crime victims including a large imbalance between a defendant’s rights and those of the victim. As a result, the task force made many recommendations to both the President and Attorney General (U.S. Department of Justice, 2015). Courts

Victim 's right statute has influenced the manner within the federal, state, and local criminal justice systems. In addition to statutory victims ' rights, nearly two-thirds of the states have adopted amendments to their state constitutions guaranteeing rights to victims of crime. Including crime victims ' rights in state constitutions increased the strength, stability and enforceability of victims ' rights. Although there have been strides made, in many states and jurisdictions, victims still retain no rights to be present, informed and heard, and to have a voice in the sentencing process, or to be informed, present and heard during the paroling process. Precisely who does the law describes as a victim that is permitted to a certain right is defined by the federal, state, or tribunal code. In some jurisdictions, basic rights are afforded only to victims of felonies, while in others, victims of any non-violent crime, whether felony or misdemeanor, may enjoy such rights. Many jurisdictions also provide rights to victims of serious juvenile offenses (Office of Justice

Today, every state has an extensive body of basic rights and protections for victims of crime within its statutory code. Victims’ rights statutes have considerably influenced the method in which victims are treated in the federal, state, and local criminal justice systems. The core right of victims of crime includes: The right to attend criminal justice proceedings; the right to apply for compensation; the right to be heard and participate in criminal justice proceedings; the right to be informed of proceedings and events in the criminal justice process, of legal rights and remedies, and of available services; the right to protection from intimidation and harassment; the right to restitution from the offender; the right to prompt return of personal property seized as evidence; the right to a speedy trial; and the right to enforcement of these rights. (Office of Justice