NCJ Number
115726
Date Published
1988
Length
192 pages
Annotation
Intended for use mainly by crime victims in California and by those who assist them, this manual provides an overview of the California criminal justice system; describes California laws governing victims' rights, protections, and remedies; explain compensation available under the State's Victims of Crime Program; and discusses State and local victim service and advocacy organizations.
Abstract
The information is based on the questions asked by more than 35,000 victims, relatives, and friends who have called the University of the Pacific's Victims of Crime Resource Center for assistance. The manual emphasizes the legal rights and entitlements of crime victims. It also contains information about social services for victims, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of victim/witness assistance centers, domestic violence centers, child abuse treatment projects, and rape crisis units. Individual chapters detail procedures and rights related to victim participation in sentencing and parole, victims' rights in juvenile delinquency cases, the use of restitution, the vindication of victims' rights through civil litigation, legal protections for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, access to criminal justice information, and victims' rights related to school crime. Appended summary of legislation, case law, lists of organizations, and 154 references.