Victim Participation - Essay Example

Victim Participation In criminal justice system, the aspect of investigation remains one of the most significant aspects to be carried out by justice professionals. In most cases, forensic specialists, police and detectives work together in order to establish some of the facts regarding the crime committed or the development of the suspects. In most investigations, the victims of the criminal activity are the most crucial figures in the process (Das, 1997). The fact that the victims are the complainants in the case and sometimes notify the police regarding the said crime makes them important.

In most cases, forensic criminologists and detectives work together with the criminal victims in order to gather evidence or encompass DNA samples, gather fingerprints at the crime scene or collect eyewitness statements. Alternatively, prosecutors also work with the criminal victims in order to establish the actual criminal events and testimonies during the trial (Das, 1997). Historically, the victim’s role in any criminal prosecution remains critical. The testimony of the victim therefore remains an important element in case there is need for an effective prosecution.

In any prosecution and investigation, there is the need for a victim’s cooperation, which might often result in the prosecutor’s discretion exercise in favor of the prosecution. The participation of the victim in the criminal case is therefore critical and desirable (Das, 1997). However, within different basic frameworks, there are actions, which generally limit the role of the victims in participating in the criminal justice process. In most cases, the participation of the criminal victims in the case might be limited only when their presence will significantly make the process in effective (Das, 1997).

ReferenceDas, B. B. (1997). Victims in the criminal justice system. New Delhi: APH Pub. Corp.