Crime against the state is seen as a violation of the rule of law, while crime against people is seen as a violation of human rights, and both conditions lead to the punishment of the offender befitting the crime. In this process of achieving justice, those highly impacted by these wrong actions are often ignored; the battle between the offender and the Crown often makes the victim, a mere spectator. Meanwhile, the Canadian Criminal Justice System is continuing to do its best in addressing the dissatisfaction victims feel towards the authorities. Study of literature shows that although victim rights have come a long way and are continuing to develop further, they are not successful in addressing the concerns of the victim. The article, “Crime
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In the same way, Teagan Markin (2017), in the article, “Victim Rights in Sentencing: An Examination of Victim Impact Statement”, discusses the purpose of the government’s introduction of VIC and the role it actually plays during sentencing. Markin further comments on the lack of effectiveness of the recent changes made to the victim impact statement regime. The Canadian Criminal Justice system does not overlook the importance of compensating victims adequately for the wrong done against them, however, it is often accused of ignoring the needs of victims of crime. Therefore, attempts to maintain a balance between, the efficiency of justice system by allowing victim involvement in judicial process to a certain extent, and protecting victim rights by updating legislations is not enough to eliminate the underlying flaws which keep on resurfacing the issue of negligence of victim needs. This paper gives a brief overview of the many services/ assistance available to the victims, and other government reforms in place that only seem to address their emotional and physical …show more content…
According to Markin, the goal of victim participation is not to ask for providing balance in the justice system but rather the right of an individual who suffered as a result of the offender’s actions. Markin further states that no changes need to be made in the criminal process, if victim impact statement are used properly to bring balance and be fair towards the victim (2017, p. 6-7). A balance has to be reached within the justice system in order to restore victim’s feeling of security as a citizen; on one side they have to ensure the protection of offender rights, and on the other hand they need to bring justice to the victim. This balance might cause one side to feel less important. Furthermore, victims show “interest in the sentencing process” and wish to have “some form of participatory rights” (Markin, 2017, p. 7). Victim Impact Statements ensures some form of communication between the victim and the offender. It also gives them a chance to give their point of view on this matter. However, the opinions and suggestions of victim do not hold much weight in decision making are limited. Conflicting views regarding victim participation exist. Roach et al., argues that victim opinion poses a threat to criminal justice independence and victim involvement causes their personal views to be included in the otherwise
In the same way, Teagan Markin (2017), in the article, “Victim Rights in Sentencing: An Examination of Victim Impact Statement”, discusses the purpose of the government’s introduction of VIC and the role it actually plays during sentencing. Markin further comments on the lack of effectiveness of the recent changes made to the victim impact statement regime. The Canadian Criminal Justice system does not overlook the importance of compensating victims adequately for the wrong done against them, however, it is often accused of ignoring the needs of victims of crime. Therefore, attempts to maintain a balance between, the efficiency of justice system by allowing victim involvement in judicial process to a certain extent, and protecting victim rights by updating legislations is not enough to eliminate the underlying flaws which keep on resurfacing the issue of negligence of victim needs. This paper gives a brief overview of the many services/ assistance available to the victims, and other government reforms in place that only seem to address their emotional and physical …show more content…
According to Markin, the goal of victim participation is not to ask for providing balance in the justice system but rather the right of an individual who suffered as a result of the offender’s actions. Markin further states that no changes need to be made in the criminal process, if victim impact statement are used properly to bring balance and be fair towards the victim (2017, p. 6-7). A balance has to be reached within the justice system in order to restore victim’s feeling of security as a citizen; on one side they have to ensure the protection of offender rights, and on the other hand they need to bring justice to the victim. This balance might cause one side to feel less important. Furthermore, victims show “interest in the sentencing process” and wish to have “some form of participatory rights” (Markin, 2017, p. 7). Victim Impact Statements ensures some form of communication between the victim and the offender. It also gives them a chance to give their point of view on this matter. However, the opinions and suggestions of victim do not hold much weight in decision making are limited. Conflicting views regarding victim participation exist. Roach et al., argues that victim opinion poses a threat to criminal justice independence and victim involvement causes their personal views to be included in the otherwise