The Rights of the Victims

Question 1

What are the 3 rights of the victims?

Answer 1

1. The right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness
2. The right to be informed of legal proceedings
3. The right to be informed of likely release date

Question 2

What is the right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness?

Answer 2

Certain victims who are witnesses may be entitled to be considered vulnerable and therefore able to give evidence by alternative means

Question 3

How does the right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness uphold fairness?

Answer 3

• Protection as a vulnerable witness more likely to give evidence and get conviction
• Promotes victim involvement in process and outcomes

Question 4

How does the right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness limit fairness?

Answer 4

Vulnerable witness may make the jury more likely to believe that the accused is guilty

Question 5

How does the right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness limit equality?

Answer 5

only for certain types of witnesses (vulnerable witnesses)

Question 6

How does the right to give evidence as a vulnerable witness uphold access?

Answer 6

• Alternative arrangements allow victim to take part in legal process without feeling uncomfortable
• allows for required evidence to be told

Question 7

What is the right to be informed of legal proceedings?

Answer 7

Victims are entitled to be informed of the progress of the investigation. Victims should be informed about the charges, hearing dates and times, outcomes, sentences and details of any appea

Question 8

How does the right to be informed of legal proceedings uphold fairness?

Answer 8

Provide clear, timely and consistent information

Question 9

How does the right to be informed of legal proceedings uphold access?

Answer 9

Victim can access the legal system being informed

Question 10

What is the right to be informed of likely release date?

Answer 10

If a person is a victim of a criminal act of violence and are on the Victim’s register, they may receive information about the likely release date of the imprisoned offender

Question 11

How does the right to be informed of likely release date uphold fairness?

Answer 11

• Reduce uncertainty
• Avoids further suffering

Question 12

How does the right to be informed of likely release date uphold access?

Answer 12

Helps victim understand legal processes