Corrections and Victims’ Rights Research Assignment

Corrections and Victims’ Rights
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Corrections and Victims’ Rights
1 Examine the significant manner in which the Crime Victims' Rights Act protects the rights of crime victims. Provide your opinion on the effectiveness of this piece of legislation. Justify your response.
Governments across the world have passed and implemented certain laws whose objective is to protect the victims. These rights allow the victims to get access to certain information, and protection during the criminal justice process. Hoyle and Young (2002) note that the rights of the victims are dependent on the jurisdiction where the crime is being investigated and prosecuted. Some of the victims' rights include:
* The right to protection. Victims are entitled to protection from any threat, retaliation or intimidation during the criminal justice system.
* Right to be informed. The victims have the right to information that they think is necessary for exercising their rights through the available resources and services. The information that they may need include but not limited to: their rights, how to contact the criminal justice officials and what they will expect during the process.
* The right to a speedy trial. Most states have granted the victims a right to "a speedy trial" or "the disposition of the case from unreasonable delay."
* The right to restitution from the offender. Most states have provided the victims with the right to restitution meaning that they have an obligation to compensate or pay for the damages that may result from the crime. This is meant to hold the offenders responsible victims in terms of financial harm. The court orders the offender to compensate either in installments or lump sum. However, this right is limited to losses incurred in property loss, insurance deductibles, and lost wages.
* The right to be treated with respect, dignity, and sensitivity. The victims are entitled to treatment with fairness, care and courtesy by the officials throughout the criminal justice process.
* Right to apply for compensation. The victims are entitled to reimbursements for the expenses incurred during the crime. This is done to recognize and financial losses incurred by the victims and o be eligible, the victims must apply within the allowed time.
The rights of victims are important for a free and free hearing and final sentencing. These rights are in the constitutions of many states, and the states have an obligation of ensuring that they are provided without any prejudice.
The implementation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act protects the victims and provides a fair consideration in many states. The right to a fair hearing assures the victims that they are innocent until proved guilty giving them a chance to defend themselves.
2 Determine whether or not victim impact statements add value during sentencing and parole hearings. Provide a rationale for your response.
The victims' impact statements add value during the court proceedings by describing how the crime will impact their lives. The victims impact statements may include but not limited to: description to psychological, physical, emotional or financial harm incurred during the crime (Herlih...