CRJ Chapter 9

Restitution

Compensation ordered by the court for a victim, usually to cover losses caused by the crime. 

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle barring evidence obtained in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights from being used in court.

Victim's Rights Laws

Laws that provide crime victims with certain protections, such as being informed of and participating in legal proceedings. 

Vision 21

A report by the Office for Victims of Crime outlining recommendations for improving planning. 

Mandatory Arrest Laws

Policies requiring law enforcement to make arrests in domestic violence cases, regardless of the victims wishes, to ensure protection. 

Victims’ Rights Amendment

Constitutional provisions protecting and advancing the legal rights of crime victims. 

Legislative Milestones

Significant achievements in passing laws that support a cause or movement. 

Constitutional Amendment

A change or addition to a state or federal constitution, reflecting new laws or principles.

Procedures

Established methods or protocols followed within the legal system, particularly related to victim’s rights. 

Statute

A written law passed by a legislative body. 

Constitutional Amendment

A change or addition to a constitution, giving stronger and more permanent legal protection. 

Non-Profit Agencies

Organizations that operate to provide services or support for public benefit rather than for profit, such as shelters for domestic violence victims

Financial Compensation Programs

State-maintained programs that provide monetary support to crime victims to help cover losses or damages caused by the crime. 

Victim and Witness Assistance Programs

Programs that guide and support crime victims who participate as witnesses in legal proceedings. 

Tangible Impact

Concrete or measurable benefits resulting from an action of program. 

Inefficiencies

Issues or obstacles that reduce the effectiveness or smooth functioning of a system. 

Victim Compensation Programs

Initiatives providing financial support to victims for losses incurred due to crimes, often with little effect on crime reduction. 

Victims’ Voice Laws

Legal provisions allowing victims to actively participate in the justice process, fostering respect and inclusion. 

Direct Crime Reduction

Immediate preventative actions or programs reducing the likelihood of victimization. 

Indirect Crime Reduction

Changes in perceptions or systematic trust that enhance cooperation with the justice system, indirectly reducing crime. 

Victims’ Rights Movement

Advocacy efforts aimed at recognizing and addressing the rights and needs of crime victims.

Special Populations

Specific groups of crime victims identified by unique characteristics or circumstances, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or elderly victims.

Vision 21 Report

A publication by the Office of Victims of Crime highlighting shifts in cultural attitudes and the recognition of undeserved victim populations. 

Consent Decree

A legal agreement mandating reforms in an institution to address identified shortcomings, often overseen by courts or government entities. 

Domestic Violence Unit

A specialized law enforcement division focused on addressing and investigating domestic violence incidents. 

Protection Orders (Restraining Orders)

Court-issued orders prohibiting offenders from contacting or approaching victims, often enforced through arrest for violations. 

Mandatory Arrest Policies

Laws requiring police to arrest offenders when there is clear evidence of domestic violence, typically in cases of felonious assault.  

Arrest-Preferred Policies

Laws that encourage, but do not require, police officers to arrest offenders based on the circumstances of each case. 

Civil Rights Division

A branch of the U.S. Department of Justice that investigates violations of civil rights, including abuses against individuals with disabilities. 

Community Housing

Housing designed to support individuals with mental illnesses or disabilities, often accompanied by additional resources or support services. 

Runaways

Juveniles who leave home due to abuse, lack of support, or personal behavior issues. 

Thrown-Away Juveniles

Young individuals denied housing or barred from returning home by their families. 

Family Breakdown

A situation involving separation, divorce, or conflict that destabilizes family dynamics and often contributes to juvenile homelessness.

Victimization Rate

The frequency at which a specific population experiences crimes, such as violent crime.

Elder Abuse

Harm to older individuals, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. 

Long-Term Care Facilities

Institutions providing care to individuals who need assistance with daily activities, such as nursing homes.  

Elderly Victims Emergency Security Fund (EVESF)

A program in Philadelphia offering security-related assistance to low-income older adults who have been victims of crime. 

Federal Standards for Nursing Homes

Regulations designed to ensure quality care and safety for residents in nursing facilities. 

Aggravated Assault Rate

The frequency of severe physical attacks per 1,000 people in a given population. 

Jurisdictional Issues

Legal challenges stemming from overlapping or conflicting authority between tribal, state, and federal systems. 

Reservations

Geographic areas designated for Native American tribes, often rural and spanning large areas. 

Computer-Aided Dispatch

Technology used by law enforcement to streamline communications and manage emergency responses. 

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

A federal agency managing relations with Native American tribes, including efforts to improve public safety and justice. 

Prosecutors’ Office Programs

Initiatives within legal offices designed to assist and advocate for crime victims during and after legal proceedings. 

Victims Assistance Programs

Resources and services provided to support crime victims, ranging from legal aid to emotional and financial support. 

Victim Notification Procedures

Processes that ensure victims are informed about the progression of their criminal cases. 

Administrative Burden

The additional workload and resources required by agencies to implement policies effectively. 

Recontact Program

A law enforcement initiative to follow up with crime victims for support or updates, aimed at reducing fear or building trust. 

Victim/Witness Assistance Programs

Services designed to support crime victims and witnesses with both practical and emotional needs.

Advocacy and Support Services

Efforts to assist victims with challenges such as dealing with employers, landlords, or financial restitution. 

Victim Impact Statement

A formal statement allowing victims to share how a crime has affected them, often during court proceedings. 

Restitution

Financial compensation provided to crime victims to address losses caused by the offender. 

Fair Treatment for Victims and Witnesses Act

Legislation aiming to ensure that crime victims receive adequate services and support within the justice system. 

Re-Traumatization

The process by which victims are exposed to situations that revive the emotional or psychological trauma of their original victimization. 

Non-Disclosure Requests

Legal provisions allowing victims to request that certain personal information, such as their address, be kept confidential in court proceedings. 

Personal Safety Referral List

A resource provided by law enforcement agencies with contacts for emergency and victim support services. 

Victim Protection Laws

Legislation designed to safeguard victims from further harm or emotional distress during and after legal processes. 

Emergency Services for Victims

Support measures like shelter and hotlines, aimed at addressing immediate safety and well-being needs. 

Procedural Justice

A framework advocating for fairness and victim participation in legal processes to improve trust in the justice system.  

Proposition 8

California law granting victims and their families rights to attend sentencing proceedings and express their views.

Recidivism

The likelihood of an offender committing another crime after punishment. 

Direct Appeals

Legal challenges to a court’s decision, seeking a higher court’s review to overturn or amend the outcome. 

Federal Habeas Corpus Petitions

Legal filings in federal court to challenge the lawfulness of an individual’s imprisonment.

Parole Hearings

Reviews by a parole board to determine whether an offender is eligible for release from prison under certain conditions.

Post-Prison Supervision Hearings

Legal proceedings to assess conditions or violations of supervised release after incarceration. 

Psychiatric Security Review Board Hearings

Hearings to evaluate the continued commitment of release of individuals found guilty but mentally ill or insane. 

Victims’ Compensation

Financial support programs providing aid to crime victims for expenses related to their victimizations. 

Victims of Crime Act (1984)

Federal legislation providing financial backing for state and local crime victim services. 

National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards

An organization offering professional leadership and support for victim compensation initiatives. 

Covered Expenses

Costs eligible for reimbursement through compensation programs, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and mental health treatment. 

Denial of Claims

Rejection of compensation requests, often due to insufficient proof of the victims’ losses or injuries. 

Cultural Competency Standards

Guidelines ensuring that organizations and staff respect and effectively serve diverse cultural groups. 

Victims’ Rights Guide

A resource outlining the rights and services available to crime victims, often provided in multiple languages. 

Self-Assessment

An evaluation conducted by agencies or individuals to improve interactions and responsiveness to diverse cultural needs. 

Community Partnerships

Collaborative relationships between organizations and community groups to enhance services and cultural understanding. 

Translators and Non-English Services

Resources provided to accommodate individuals who speak languages other than English, ensuring equitable access to support services.  

Common Outcome Measures

Standardized criteria used to evaluate the effectiveness of victim services programs in achieving key goals. 

Portland Women’s Crisis Line

A service in Portland offering support and resources to victims of crime, often focusing on safety and resource awareness. 

Get-Tough-on-Crime Agenda

Policies advocating for stricter measures to punish offenders, often focusing severe penalties or limiting defendants’ rights. 

Preventative Detention

The practice of holding defendants in custody before trial to prevent potential crimes. 

Hearsay Evidence

Testimony based on secondhand information, not directly observed by the witness, and traditionally inadmissible in court. 

Sex Offender Recidivism

The likelihood of individuals convicted of sex crimes committing another offense, generally lower than for other crimes. 

Victim Notification

A process that keeps crime victims informed about key developments in their cases, aiming to foster confidence in the justice system. 

Crime Prevention Advice

Guidance provided to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, to help them avoid becoming crime victims. 

Emergency Shelter

Temporary housing offered to individuals in crisis, such as runaway youth or victims of domestic violence. 

Direct Services

Support measures directly targeting victim needs, which may also contribute to crime reduction, such as counseling or secure housing. 

Explain Walker’s reasoning behind Proposition 23: Most victims' rights laws and programs are worthy ideas that were long overdue. Only a few, however, provide the kind of direct services that are likely to reduce crime.

Most victims' rights laws and programs were long overdue, addressing neglected needs and fostering trust in the justice system. However, only a few, like crime prevention advice for the elderly or counseling for vulnerable youth, show potential for directly reducing crime.