NCJ Number
130409
Date Published
1983
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes the policies, operation, and funding methods for victim compensation programs in California, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Washington.
Abstract
These programs serve victims of violent crimes, specify time limits for requesting compensation, and set limits for compensation. They also require the crime to be reported to the police within a certain period and generally exclude family members from compensation. The programs were initially funded mainly by the States, with partial funding from offenders. Newer provisions in the States' laws have focused on self-financing through restitution, other fines, royalties paid to offenders who create a work telling the story of their offense, and similar sources. Over the years, improvements have occurred in the procedures for collecting and distributing the funds obtained through fines. However, these programs make offenders responsible for harm caused to the entire group of victims, not just those they have harmed. A more appropriate approach is to finance these programs entirely by the government. Tables, list of laws consulted, footnotes, and 13 references