The Evolution Of Crime And Our Criminal Justice System

The evolution of crime and our criminal justice system over the past centuries has mirrored societal change. Gone are the days when one might get their hand cut off for stealing, or stoned to death for an act against the society, and in are cyber-crimes, identify theft and other twenty-first century misdeeds. Along with this evolution, an often forgotten element in the criminal justice process, the victim, began making its way into the spotlight. Although there have always been victims present in some crimes, victim rights and victim participation in criminal proceedings did not emerge until the 1970s. Fast-forward to the present, and victim’s rights have grown to include: right to restitution, the right not to be excluded from criminal justice proceedings, the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings, and the right to be treated with fairness, and respect for the victims dignity and privacy. The inclusion of victims as a â€Å"legally recognized participant with r ights, interests, and voice, has created an avenue for victim’s voices to be heard, but spawn a delicate â€Å"balancing act† between the interest of the state and the individual victim. Legal protection for victims varies from State to State with differing statutes and State constitutions, and research has indicated states with stronger statutory protections provide victims better access to be â€Å"involved,† and to â€Å"feel the system is responsive.† Victim involvement in theShow MoreRelatedThe Mechanisms Of The Criminal Justice System902 Words   |  4 Pagesmechanisms of the criminal justice system in America function as more than the instruments for determining guilt in a criminal court case. Through the creation and enforcement of laws, it is a reflection of our society’s morals and values. It is our form of social control. 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