Description
Book SynopsisOutlines the successes and failures of the movement to support survivors of violenceThe Victims' Rights Movement (VRM) has been one of the most meaningful criminal justice reforms in the United States. Every state and the federal government has adopted major VRM laws to enact protections for victims and increase criminal sanctions, and the movement has received support from politicians of all backgrounds. Despite recognition of its excesses, the movement remains an important force in the criminal justice arena. The Victims' Rights Movement offers a measured overview of the successes and the failures of the VRM. Among its widely acknowledged accomplishments are expanded resources to help victims deal with trauma, greater sensitivity to sexual assault victims in many jurisdictions, and increased chances of victims receiving restitution from perpetrators of harm. Conversely, the movement has led to excessive punishment for many defendants and destruction of defendants' families. It has
Trade Review"This engaging history of the Victims’ Rights Movement is both brave and indispensable." -- Susan A. Bandes, Centennial Professor of Law Emeritus, DePaul University College of Law
"Vitiello has crafted a measured and compelling examination of the triumphs and pitfalls of the Victims’ Rights Movement. He furthers the conversation by urging a reframing of the movement to include policies that would address determinants of violent behavior, as well as non-legal resources for victims. This book is of significant quality." -- Joshua Dressler, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus and Professor of Law Emeritus, The Ohio State University
"Drawing on data and a review of positions taken by both advocates and opponents, Vitiello provides a sobering rejoinder to the emotional appeal of the Victims’ Rights Movement. The book includes suggestions for alternatives that do not weaken the protections of the criminal legal system and is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about both victims and the problems of racism and mass incarceration that accompany current approaches to dealing with crime." -- Susan F. Mandiberg, Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita, Lewis & Clark Law School
"A powerful indictment of how sympathy for crime victims was coopted by a bipartisan vengeance-based agenda that offered illusory benefits to victims while restricting rights of suspects, increasing rates of wrongful convictions, and fueling mass incarceration. Vitiello’s groundbreaking study combines close readings of headline grabbing cases with theoretical engagement, questioning the movement’s narrow definition of victimhood and its myth of closure." -- Michael H. Hoffheimer, Emeritus, University of Mississippi School of Law
"Much-needed, balanced, and thorough. Vitiello offers a persuasive agenda for measures that would reduce the risks of violent crime and at the same time constructively address the needs of those who are its victims." -- Stephen J. Schulhofer, Robert B. McKay Professor of Law Emeritus, NYU School of Law
"Well-researched and well-argued... Vitiello has an impressive depth of knowledge about criminal procedure and the various arguments for and against victims’ rights reforms." -- Aya Gruber, University of Colorado Law School
