Challenges in the Modern Justice System: A Focus on Victim’s Rights

Lesallan – August 6, 2024

Challenges in the Modern Justice System: A Focus on Victim’s Rights

The criminal justice system encounters various complex issues in today’s world, such as terrorism, scientific advancements, and the concerns surrounding victim rights. A significant concern is the treatment of victims within the justice system. An article titled “Criminal justice system failing stalking victims, says Commissioner” sheds light on the systemic shortcomings in meeting the needs of stalking victims (Jacques, 2024). This discussion will delve into the obstacles faced by the justice system in safeguarding the victim’s rights, drawing insights from “CJ: Realities and Challenges” by Masters (2021).

Victim’s rights play a crucial role in the justice system, ensuring that individuals who have been harmed receive necessary support and protection. However, recent findings point to shortcomings in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of stalking victims. According to Claire Waxman, the London Victims’ Commissioner, 45% of stalking victims opted out of the justice process, and 41% did not see further police action on their complaints (Jacques, 2024). These statistics highlight a significant gap in the system’s capacity to deliver justice and assistance to victims.

There are various factors that contribute to the challenges of addressing victims’ rights within the justice system. One key issue is the lack of sufficient resources to adequately support victims, including limited funding for victim support services, a shortage of trained personnel, and inadequate infrastructure to handle the volume of cases (Masters, 2021). Additionally, law enforcement officers and other justice system personnel may not receive adequate training on handling cases involving victims, especially those related to stalking or harassment. This lack of training can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy, resulting in poor treatment of victims (Masters, 2021). The justice system often faces delays due to bureaucratic processes, including lengthy court procedures, complex legal requirements, and administrative inefficiencies. Finally, societal attitudes towards victims, particularly those of stalking and harassment, can significantly impact how they are treated within the justice system. Victims may encounter stigma, disbelief, or blame, which can discourage them from seeking justice (Jacques, 2024).

Scientific testing plays a critical role in the justice system by providing evidence that can aid in solving crimes and securing convictions. Nevertheless, there are situations where scientific testing may not be advantageous. Scientific tests are fallible and can yield false positives or negatives, potentially leading to wrongful convictions or the release of guilty individuals (Masters, 2021). Moreover, advanced scientific testing can be costly and may not be readily accessible to all jurisdictions, resulting in disparities in the administration of justice across different communities (Masters, 2021). The utilization of specific scientific tests, such as DNA profiling, raises ethical concerns related to privacy and consent. Striking a balance between the benefits of scientific testing and the rights of individuals is essential (Masters, 2021).

In order to tackle these challenges, various measures can be taken. Increasing resources for victim support services and scientific testing can help close the gaps in the justice system. This involves funding for training programs, infrastructure development, and technological advancements (Masters, 2021). Providing comprehensive training for law enforcement officers and justice system personnel on handling cases involving victims can enhance their treatment and support. This includes sensitivity training and education on the psychological impact of victimization (Masters, 2021). Simplifying bureaucratic processes and reducing administrative inefficiencies can expedite justice for victims. This includes the implementation of technology solutions to streamline case management and court procedures (Masters, 2021). Promoting awareness and education campaigns to transform societal attitudes towards victims can help reduce the stigma and encourage more victims to seek justice. This involves public service announcements, community outreach programs, and collaboration with advocacy groups (Jacques, 2024).

It is essential to recognize that the modern justice system faces a myriad of challenges, which necessitates a comprehensive approach to effectively tackle them. By prioritizing the victim’s rights, enhancing scientific testing, and addressing systemic issues, the justice system can better meet the needs of all individuals. The insights gleaned from the article (Jacques, 2024) and “CJ: Realities and Challenges” by Masters (2021) underscore the significance of adopting a victim-centered approach and the imperative of continuously enhancing the justice system.

Lesallan

Ohio Christian University

References:

Jacques, P. (2024). Police Professional | Criminal justice system failing stalking victims, says

commissioner. Policeprofessional.com. https://policeprofessional.com/news/criminal-justice-system-failing-stalking-victims-says-commissioner/

Masters, R. (2021). CJ: realities and challenges. McGraw-Hill Education.