Crime Victims’ Rights

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.