The role of victims in the criminal justice process has expanded over the years
Right from the past, in criminal justice, the victim holds a crucial role through participation and cooperation of investigation and prosecution of the crime. The victim gives testimony, which is the critical element of the trial. Therefore, victims’ participation desirable and vital since it results in prosecutors exercising discretion in favor of criminal prosecution. The information provided by the victim is used in making prosecutorial decisions (Pugach & Tamir, 2017). If the prosecutor is representing the government, they ensure the interests of victims are also catered for, and they are handled first.
Also, voluntary participation is critical and nobody should be coerced to take part if they are not willing. The willingness to come out is highly appreciated and determine a successful prosecution of criminals (Korkodeilou, 2016). In many cases, when the victims fail to report, it leads to too many cases going unpunished and delaying the work of criminal justice systems. With the corporation from victims being helpful, the Supreme Court has expanded to incorporate the rights and interests of the victim. Many courts may ignore the concerns of victims since that can be the biggest hindrance to people reporting violations to proper authorities. In a crime that calls for public testimony about a degrading experience, in such a case, the interest and rights of the person being protected should also be considered since it makes the person reencounter the same thing (Thacker, 2017).
Also, in the past, victims had a prominent part in directing the progress of criminal justice by today, their participation imposes numerous burdens on the victim. The process itself makes them relive the devastating moments they are trying to correct (Korkodeilou, 2016). As a result, there is an increasing failure to help the law enforcers by the victim by avoiding the whole process. As a way to encourage victims, it requires the public policy to give immunity to those who want to go through the process. But in case they neglect to take action, they cannot be penalized.
References
Korkodeilou, J. (2016). Stalking victims, victims of sexual violence, and criminal justice system responses: is there a difference or just ‘business as usual’?. British Journal of Criminology, 56(2), 256-273.
Pugach, D., & Tamir, M. (2017). Nudging the criminal justice system into listening to crime victims in plea agreements. Hastings Women’s LJ, 28, 45.
Thacker, L. K. (2017). Rape culture, victim-blaming, and the role of media in the criminal justice system. Kentucky Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship, 1(1), 8.