Author:

Keywords:

Social Sciences, Criminology & Penology, victim impact statements, victim participation, sentencing, victim protection, fairness, CRIMINAL COURT, JUSTICE, COMMUNITY, OUTCOMES, VOICES, PLACE, WORK, 1602 Criminology

Abstract:

Since the mid- to late 1980s a number of western countries have granted victims a participatory role in the sentencing process by means of written and oral victim statements. These statements have been introduced with a view to increase victim satisfaction with the criminal justice system. Evaluation research on the use of these statements however points towards victims’ numerous concerns when deciding whether to submit a statement. These concerns indicate that some victims may feel insecure and uncomfortable about submitting a statement. Focusing on the specific case of victim statements, this paper will serve to explore how victim reforms designed to protect victims from exclusion by the criminal justice system and enhance perceptions of justice risk causing some victims feeling endangered by participation.