Most crimes imply a victim, and the definition of a crime as unlawful means that something can be made right again for a victim. Prior to industrialized societies, victims played a central role in restitution. The resulting inter-society violence and score settling that disrupted society, combined with the reorganization of many societies during industrialization, led to an evolution that changed the focus from victim restitution to offender punishment. Karmen (2020) refers to the “rediscovery” of the victim’s role and the victim’s outcomes in the study of crime and justice that has occurred in recent decades. That evolution has helped criminal justice professionals better understand the full effect of criminal acts. Still, preconceived ideas about individuals and communities and their responses can lead to unfavorable outcomes for both victims and offenders. This week, you examine the change in perception and the treatment of victims before and after the emergence of the field of victimology.
Analyze the effects of personal and media bias toward crime victims or offenders
Analyze the influence of media coverage on jury bias
Analyze the effect of major criminal events on victim legislation and the evolution of victimology
Analyze the effect of the field of victimology on the perception and treatment of victims