Introduction
Long ignored as the “forgotten
people” of the criminal justice system, victims of crime are now organized
and vocal. The families of crime victims, as well as the survivors themselves, are
seeking new laws and state constitutional amendments guaranteeing victims the right
to participate in legal proceedings — to attend trials, to make statements in
court on a crime's personal impact and to comment at plea bargainings and
parole hearings. Opponents warn of threats to defendants’ traditional
presumption of innocence. Judges are wary of allowing emotionalism in their
courtrooms, while prosecutors and police raise concerns about costs added to their
heavy caseloads. Still, victims say that giving them an active role provides a
needed catharsis and a chance to help in reducing crime.
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