Crime Victims’ Rights Act & Department of Justice Assistance Guidelines

Within the United States Code, is a statutory bill of rights for victims of crimes committed in violation of federal law or the laws of the District of Columbia. It defines victims as anyone directly and proximately harmed by such an offence, individuals and legal entities alike. Section 3771 of Title 18 directs the courts and law enforcement officials to see to it that the rights it creates are honoured. Both victims and prosecutors may assert the rights and seek review from the appellate courts should the rights be initially denied. The section vests no rights in the accused nor does it create cause of action damages in any instance where a victim is afforded less than the section’s full benefits. This book discusses the crime victims’ rights act and also provides assistance guidelines from the Department of Justice.