During the early 1970's, a number of studies documented how often cases had to be dropped due to problems in securing the continued cooperation of victims and witnesses. Due to considerable evidence that victims and witnesses have felt victimized by the criminal justice system as well as by offenders, there have been reforms intended to increase and improve victim participation in case processing. Some efforts focus on victims' and witnesses' practical needs, such as routine notification of the various proceedings and events that affect their cases and administrative improvements that eliminate witness waiting time at court and provide for a separate and secure place for witnesses to await their testimony at hearings and trials. Efforts to promote victim participation in the prosecutorial process are more controversial. These have included rules involving victims in plea negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys that allow victim participation in sentencing and ensure victims' right to be present in court when their cases are being heard. Research to date indicates these reforms have not substantially impacted how the criminal justice system works, primarily because most victims do not avail themselves of opportunities to participate in case processing due to a lack of information on such participation. Research indicates that those who have participated are more satisfied with the criminal justice system and more likely to cooperate fully with the prosecution. 70 notes