Protection of Victims of Crime and the Active Participation of Victims in the Criminal Justice Process Specifically Considering Restorative Justice Approaches

Source: (2003) Tokyo: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders. Downloaded 16 September 2003.

Traditionally, the role of the victim in the criminal justice system has been truncated to include only that of witness. However, a growing interest in restorative justice models has emerged around the world. Although many definitions of restorative justice exist, it is generally an approach to criminal justice that is victim-centered and involves the active participation of the victim, the offender, and the community. This United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) Senior Seminar focused on two issues related to restorative justice: (1) the current situation and problems regarding the protection of victims and the active participation of victims in the criminal justice process and (2) the current situation, problems, and possibilities with restorative justice models. The newsletter explains the rationale for the course and then provides a summary of the course, which includes brief descriptions of lectures, individual presentations, the general discussion session, observation visits, group study tour, and special events. A listing of each lecture topic and individual presentation topic are provided, along with the presenter of the lecture or presentation. The next section provides a summary of the general discussion paper, which focused on the support and protection of victims and models of restorative justice. Information about the observation visits and group study tours are listed by date, agency or institution in charge, and main person concerned. Abstract courtesy of National Criminal Justice Reference Service, www.ncjrs.org.