THE AUTHOR FIRST TRACES THE HISTORICAL RIGHTS OF THE VICTIM FROM THE EARLIEST CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN WHICH THE VICTIM EXACTED HIS OWN PUNSIHMENT TO THE CURRENT CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN WHICH THE STATE HAS ASSUMED ALL REDRESS AND PUNISHMENT OF THE OFFENDER. SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF COMPENSATION ARE THEN REVIEWED. AMONG THOSE MENTIONED ARE RESTITUTION BY THE DEFENDANT AS A PROBATION OR PAROLE CONDITION; A GENERAL SWITCH TO A SYSTEM OF FINES AND A DIVERSION OF A PROPORTION OF THESE TO COMPENSATE CRIME VICTIMS; CORRECTIONAL LABOR ON A DAY-FINE SYSTEM, WHERE THE PROCEEDS OF THE OFFENDER'S LABOR PASS TO THE VICTIM; CIVIL ATTACHMENT OF PRISON EARNINGS; COMBINING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS; AND PRIVATE OR PUBLIC VICTIM INSURANCE. THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EACH OF THESE SYSTEMS ARE CONSIDERED FOR THE VICTIM, THE OFFENDER, THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND THE PUBLIC.