The Crime Victim Movement at Its First Decade

Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Perceptions of Crime Victim Involvement in Criminal Prosecutions

“…It was not until the 1960s that reform took place and restored some rights to victims (Friedman 1985). According to Westbrook (1998), several factors probably stimulated the increased support of the victim rights movement in the United States.…”

“…Over time, however, public prosecutors replaced the system of private prosecution (Friedman 1985). This change resulted in crime victims being unable to manage and control the prosecution of crimes that had affected them.…”

“…The American Colonists' legal system was largely influenced by English common law and procedure, including the practice of private prosecutions (Cardenas 1986;Friedman 1985;Gittler 1984;Cassell 1994). Over time, however, public prosecutors replaced the system of private prosecution (Friedman 1985).…”

“…Another factor that has increased support for the victims' movement is the alienation of the victim from the criminal justice system (Friedman 1985;Goldstien 1982Goldstien , 1984. According to Goldstein (1982), the members of the victim movement allege that crime victims have become alienated from the criminal justice system, and the result has been a notable reduction in crime reports to the police, in victims' cooperation with prosecutors, and in the public's confidence in the administration of justice.…”

“…Common law crimes were centered on unwritten rules that evolved from community customs and judicial traditions of England and overtime became incorporated into court decisions (Stickels 2001). These judicial rulings became the English common law and were enforced by private prosecutions (Friedman 1985).…”