Source: (1990) In: B. Galaway and J. Hudson Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation. Monsey, NY: Criminal Justice Press, pp. 37-45.
This essay argues that modern victimology tries to combine the victim’s interests in participation in the criminal process with interest in restitution by the offender. Legislators have difficulty, however, considering restitution as part of the sanctioning procedure in that punishment can be reduced or even remitted in accordance with the offender’s restitutive efforts. As a consequence, increased victim involvement in justice strengthens the prosecution elements. The victim’s needs and interests favor restitution, rather than punishment. Thus, victims may become further victimized by participating in a system which does not address their interests and needs.
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