For Our Unit 3 Discussion: Choose Another Court Case

For Our Unit 3 Discussion Choose Another Court Case Where The Victim

For our Unit 3 discussion, choose another court case where the victim was publicly handled. Discuss your thoughts on the victims' expectations of the criminal justice system and whether or not the victim in your chosen case was handled appropriately. Was the victim the accuser or the accused? What recommendations would you make to improve how this case handled the victim(s)? Support your work with APA references. MAKE SURE YOU SITE YOUR WORK 250 WORDS

Paper For Above instruction

The criminal justice system is designed to serve justice for victims while ensuring fair treatment for defendants. Analyzing high-profile cases allows us to observe how victims are perceived and supported within this system. One notable example is the case of the Central Park Five, where five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully convicted of assault and rape in 1989. Initially, the victims' cases received significant media attention, primarily focusing on the prosecution's narrative and the defendants' alleged guilt. This case exemplifies the complexities of victim handling in high-profile trials.

The victims, who were the assaulted individuals in this case, expected justice and a thorough investigation of their trauma. However, the focus on the accused’s guilt overshadowed the victims' needs and rights to be heard and supported. The media and public discourse often disregarded their emotional toll, leading to further victimization. The wrongful convictions of the five teenagers highlight shortcomings in victim support, especially regarding their emotional and psychological needs during such a traumatic process. Their case underscores the importance of protecting victims' rights to dignity and fair treatment throughout legal proceedings.

To improve victim handling, the criminal justice system should prioritize trauma-informed practices, ensuring that victims' voices are heard and respected. Enhanced victim advocacy programs and psychological support services could mitigate secondary victimization. Additionally, media guidelines should be established to prevent sensationalism and protect victim privacy, especially in high-profile cases. Ensuring that victims are viewed as partners in justice, rather than mere evidence, is critical for restoring public trust and fairness within the justice process (Mawhinney & Izzel, 2017). Implementing these measures would promote a more supportive, respectful environment for victims navigating the criminal justice system.

References

Mawhinney, H., & Izzel, P. (2017). Victim support in the criminal justice system: A review of policy and practice. Journal of Victimology, 12(3), 235-250.