NCJ Number
102236
Journal
South Texas Law Journal Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1985) Pages: 153-174
Date Published
1985
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The former chairman of the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime argues that the criminal justice system has for too long overlooked the needs of victims. She outlines the task force's findings and main recommendations to improve victim services and criminal justice procedures.
Abstract
She observes that the criminal justice system has treated victims as evidence that is brought to court rather than as the aggrieved parties who need representation, reparation, and simple recognition. The task force received testimony from thousands of people and learned that the treatment of victims is a national disgrace. It made 68 recommendations. The proposals address the police, prosecutors, the judiciary, and parole boards. The recommendations call for legislative reform and action by people outside the criminal justice system as well. Areas needing reform are plea bargaining, preliminary hearings, continuances, and sentencing. 44 footnotes.