Victims’ Rights and Vengeance
Amanda Furniss
CJS/211
August 11, 2015
Melissa Andrewjeski

When it comes to Victims’ rights and vengeance, a lot has changed since victims’ rights first came about to the justice system. I believe that when it comes to a case, trial, and the decisions that are made, the victim has many rights. I do believe that the victim has the right to be kept up to date on any info concerning the suspect, any charges, any new trial dates, and any changes to the case. I also believe that the victims’ opinion on what the sentencing to the suspect is and should be important and considered when deciding the suspects sentencing. Not necessarily charging the offender with what the victim wants but taken into consideration. By the victims’ rights law allowing the victim to be present for the case proceedings, and plea bargains it gives the victim a voice in the case. The victims’ rights law allows the victim to voice their case to the court on the situation. It involves the Victim in the case now more than what the victim was back in the past. With all the changes that have been made to the Victims’ Rights Act, I can say I am happy with the changes. I feel as if the victims’ voice actually matters. The victim has the right to be heard just as much as anyone else. The 2004 Criminal Victims’ Rights Act opened more possibilities for the victim and I believe it has been more successful for the most part. I am on the fence though, with the part where the victim may sometimes be excluded from the case, but only because I believe the victim has the right to give their testimony. But I believe that the victims’ testimony should be given in the start of the trial that way the victim can not change his or her statement according to what other witnesses may say pertaining to the case. Do I believe that vengeance is ever appropriate, even