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Victims’ Rights paper Sandee Maige CJA 313 Contemporary Issues In Criminal Justice Professor Hale May 20, 2010 As Americans in the United States we [Use "we,” "us,” or "our” to mean yourself and coauthors, not general humanity (or yourself and the reader)] are entitled [The p[The passive voice is a form of "be” (are) and a participle (entitled). Over-use of the passive voice can make paragraphs tedious to read and officious.
Try to use the active voice most often, e. g. , the student completed the paper on time. The passive voice version–The paper was completed on time by the student–See eCampus>CWE>Tutorials & Guides>Grammar & Writing Guides>Active & passive voice]ortunate to have rights if we [Place c[Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with "As”)]victim of a crime.
Over the years victims’ have been part of the legal system but have often been ignored. [Passive v[Passive voice] need a voice and in the past have been left out of the legal process in which they should have the right to be a part of. The victims are not the only ones who suffer but they also have been neglected [Passive v[Passive voice] [Clearer w[Clearer writing suggestion–"having” as a transitive verb is vague. Reconsider the sentence, as in "possessing,” "acquiring,” "developing,” etc.
Often "having” can simply be deleted]t to be heard at the sentencing to hear the deliverance of the consequences their offender will face. Fortunately, this has changed over the span of 20 years, and the legal process has given victims the right to truth, justice and [Check punctuation�[Check punctuation–insert a comma before this word if this is the last in a list of more than two–or if it begins a new clause]re now [Clearer writing sug[Clearer writing suggestion–"Now” is a tricky concept.
If the sentence is in the past tense, it probably should be rendered as "then. ” If not, and unless you are making a philosophical statement (Now is the time to improve myself) or mean "as of the present time” (the business is now known as Ajax Corporation), consider removing "now”–because this is being read after the time you wrote it, your "now” is in the past] voice] and given the [Passive voice]ated [Passive voice] with dignity a[Passive voice]t is a Victim? Unless in a quote, avoid rhetorical questions in academic writing] Victim, has been defined [Passive voice] as any person [Passive voice]d directly, indirectly harm, including physical or mental injury, emotional suffering, economic loss or substantial impairment of fundamental rights, as a result of crimes within the jurisdiction of a court (Amnesty International USA Program for International Justice). Twenty years ago Victims were treated [Passive voice] as witnesses. [Passive voice]ctually [Cliche: “actual” and “a[Cliche: "actual” and "actually” are weak words whose meaning is nothing more than "in point of fact. They are often used as intensifiers but usually can be deleted with no change in meaning ]system. They were limited [Passive voice] to court proceedings[Passive voice]unt of input being [Doctoral rule (but good advice for [Doctoral rule (but good advice for any academic writer)–If not a noun (as in "human being”), the word "Being” is hard to imagine; it means "existing. ” Try to rewrite this without using "being”–with words like "attending,” "working,” "living,” "experiencing,” simply "as”–or even removing "being” completely]ir case.
The Witness Program was founded in the 1970’s [Check spelling: if the preceding is a year, following t[Check spelling: if the preceding is a year, following the year with apostrophe-s means possessive; leave out the apostrophe before s]st them in the effects of the crime that was committed [Passive voice] upon them. They provided information to [Passive voice]hey would understand how the criminal justice system worked so they would be aware of the process and rights they hold. Once a crime is committed [Passive voice] and is reported [Passive voice] to law [Passive voice]icials, the crimin[Passive voice] begin.
The justice system is a confusing process for a victim who has probably never dealt with a court system at all. There are [“There are” is an awkward phrase if “there” is ["There are” is an awkward phrase if "there” is not clearly a location]h the process and resources that are available to them. The advocate is there to answer any questions and concerns that he or she may have. There are [Avoid “there is,” etc. ] critical stages that payout wi[Avoid "there is,” etc. ]cess that the victim must become aware of.
Some of these process include the following: Filing of charges and/or [This awkward construction is a shortcut appropriate in a lega[This awkward construction is a shortcut appropriate in a legal document, not in academic writing]ond reduction or modification of the hearing, arraignment hearing, any subpoenas for the victim’s mental health, medical or victims compensations records, trial, sentencing, appellate review or appellate decision, sentencing reconsideration, probation hearing, change of venue or transfer of probation officer, any hearings related to parole.
One of the resources for a victim is the Victims’ Compensation Fund. This is a fund provided through the state attorney’s office. This grant allows the state to provide money to the victim to help them relocate, whether it is locally or to another state. This program pays for medical expenses, provides health care, loss of earnings, funeral expenses to help the victim land back on their feet. Some victims’ are left with medical bills and other costs to pay for a crime that was committed [Passive voice] on them. The most important right that a victi[Passive voice]ght to be informed [Passive voice] and be present at hearings.
They victim[Passive voice]ight to be heard at all hearings and bond sentencing, modifications, pleas, and any sentencing that may occur. This is a right that helps the victim gain closure from the crime that was committed [Passive voice] against them, becoming informed of all “crit[Passive voice]of the process for the victim is a remarkable right that allows them to feel [Clearer writing suggestion: if “feel” or “felt” is us[Clearer writing suggestion: if "feel” or "felt” is used in the sense of "to believe or think,” it is a cliche and vague; use "believe” or "think”]if they desire.
With this right they are also released from any embarrassment, intimidation, or abuse that an attorney or court system may ask of them to perform. They are not required [Passive voice] to have to speak up and relive the malicious act if they[Passive voice]The District Attorney’s office has a responsibility to the victim and is a valuable source of knowledge for the victim. The district attorney’s office handles the victims’ case and is available for questions, concerns or [Check punctuation–insert a comma before this word if this is the last[Check punctuation–insert a comma before this word if this is the last in a list of more than two–or if it begins a new clause]ltation before hearings, depositions and trials as well as keeping the victim informed regarding the status of the case. The District Attorney is responsible for filing the charges on the offender with an explanation of the charges he/she [This awkward construction is a shortcut appropriate in a legal document[This awkward construction is a shortcut appropriate in a legal document, but avoid using it in academic writing. Write it out]e dates, times and t[Passive voice] court proceedings along with any scheduling or rescheduling of all events in relation to the case.
The state attorney’s office is also responsible for providing transportation to the court house [The preceding two words are spelled as one word] if the victim does no[The preceding two words are spelled as one word]or she will prepare a victim impact [Doctoral rule (although good advice for any academic writer): “impact[Doctoral rule (although good advice for any academic writer): "impact” is a noun (a hit). It is informally used as a verb (impacting the business), but avoid this in academic writing ]hearing.
This statement [Passive voice] jury, court officials, etc. and can a major role in the outcome of the hearing. The state attorney will also protect the victims’ whereabouts and personal information such as address, phone numbers, employment address and any other information that could potentially lead the offender to the victim. The district attorney will consult with the victim concerning the plea offers, reduction of charges and any other classes or programs that the victim may want the offender to complete as part of his punishment.
If there was property damage or property to be returned [Passive voice] the state attorney will facilitate the return of the prope[Passive voice] and I feel [“think” or “believe”? ] most important responsibility of the stat["think” or "believe”? ]mation to the victim regarding the right to receive information from the correctional officers and facility that updates you [Eliminate second person (you, your) in academic documents and avoid addressin[Eliminate second person (you, your) in academic documents and avoid addressing the reader directly.
Use third-person pronouns (he, she, it, they)]or her of a release coming up and to be notified [Passive voice] of the actual [see above] release date and information where [Passive voice]ing to a place,[see above] “where,” use “in which”] the [If not referring to a place, instead of "where,” use "in which”]t only does the State Attorney have responsibilities to the victim but also the Court officials have specific obligations as well.
They are required [Passive voice] to give the victim the opportunity to be present at all court proc[Passive voice] the victim of any restitution that will be awarded to them. If any court ordered testing against the offender has been done the court must notify the victim of the results. The probation department is in charge of providing the victim with the location, telephone numbers, and contact information on the probation officer assigned to the offender.
They are required [Passive voice] to notify the victim when the probation is terminated [Passive vo[Passive voice]as been violated. [Passive voice] If the offender chan[Passive voice]f facilities or any of their [Passive voice]cing is modified [Passive voice] the victim is notified. [Passive voice] If the offender shows po[Passive voice]testing required under th[Passive voice]ation or if they [Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (begin[Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with "If”)]ation is extended [Passive voice] for any reasons or if the terms are modified [Passive voice] the vi[Passive voice]d [Passive voice] immediately of these changes[Passive voice]nt that the victim is not[Passive voice] voice] because in some cases such as domestic violence cases there are rest[Passive voice]and just because these orders have been put in place doesn’t mean that they are not violated. [Passive voice] If violated it is an automatic return to jail and most likely pris[Passive voice]nimum of a year.
Once an offender is released [Passive voice] from jail, they are usually still on probation and it is usually sup[Passive voice]ve voice] by a state parole officer. However, department of corrections has a [Passive voice]to the victim to keep certain information such as; [Remove semicolon] address, telephone contacts, employment, school and other pertin[Remove semicolon]nfidential and away from the offender. The victims’ impact statement is also confidential material not disclosed or available to the offender. There are [Avoid “there is,” etc. several other reasons the victim may be notified [Pass[Avoid "there is,” etc. several other reasons the victim may be notified [Passive voice] [Passive voice] early or transferred to a public or private community, such as a halfw[Passive voice] the person has been granted [Passive voice] a furlough, work release, has escaped or possible has died they [Check[Passive voice]ent–if “they” refers to “person” (or a singular subject[Check pronoun agreement–if "they” refers to "person” (or a singular subject), it should be singular, too (he or she) and perhaps require adjusting the following verb]e offender is locked [Passive voice] up and may need time to prepare for the offender’s release into society.[Passive voice]shed the rights that victims have and the individuals who are [Clearer writing suggestion–see if the sentence can be rewritten to remove “that are�[Clearer writing suggestion–see if the sentence can be rewritten to remove "that are” or "who are”]to them. However, victims’ have responsibilities that they must be responsible for.
As a victim he or she must provide your [second person] current contact address, phone number, employer’s [Check spelling–remove [second person]if the word is not possessive] information and if any [Check spelling–remove the apostrophe if the word is not possessive]diately. If a victim wants to be aware of all sentencing or court hearings they [Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with �[Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with "If”)]become a cold case they [Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with “I[Place comma before this word if this is the end of the introductory phrase (beginning with "If”)]ants to know when the offender will be released [Passive voice] or has been arrested or convicted of another crime they must notify the appropriat[Passive voice]quest the information. Several laws have been passed [Passive voice] over the last thirty [Express numbers higher than nine in digits (when not the fir[Passive voice]sentence)] years to i[Express numbers higher than nine in digits (when not the first word in the sentence)]] after victims’ are: Megan’s law, Marsy’s law, Mathew Shepard Act. These are [Passive voice] that were [Clearer writing suggestion–see if the sentence can be rewritten to remove “that were” or �[Clearer writing suggestion–see if the sentence can be rewritten to remove "that were” or "who were”]ed [Passive [Passive voice]e loss of the innocent. Why does it take tragedy to create a new law and safer[Passive voice]less in a quote, avoid rhetorical questions in academic writing] Crimes are going to [Wordiness: These words mean simply “will”] happen no matter how law enforcement agencies try to p[Wordiness: These words mean simply "will”] [second person] are a victim of a crime you [second person] know the resources available out there [Avo[second person] there”; it is a slang term [second person]help you [second person] and make the h[Avoid using "out there”; it is a slang term and vague] lonely place to [second person] a victim of a crime.
Not only was it an embarrassing event in my life, but also one that will never be forgotten. [Passive voice] I can say that justice was served [Passive voice] but to this day I am still living wit[Passive voice]. The crime committed on me was a dome[Passive voice]rime, committed by my x-husband. Unfortunately [Insert comma after this introductory word or phrase] even if you take the right steps to ensure your safe[Insert comma after this introductory word or phrase] another ones determination. I had a restraining order that was violated [Passive voice] and resulted in felony strangulation.
My x-husband spent only 6 [Write out numbers[Passive voice]hs in jail and was given [Passive voice] four years probation. To me, th[Write out numbers under 10]em has laws and guidelines that[Passive voice]e. I understood my rights and I was fortunate enough to have an advocate that answered my questions, and provided me with the resources that were available. I was fortunate that with my educational background I knew how the justice system worked, but so many do not. Being a victim of a crime is a lonely place to be. References http://www. lni. wa. ov/claimsins/crimevictims/ http://www. findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_20100426//ai_n53293369 www. larimer. org www. mdcrimevictims. org www. victimlaw. info Rubric| Possible| Actual| Comments| CONTENT/DEVELOPMENT| 50%| 40. 00%| | Subject Matter| 40%| 32. 00%| | Assignment objectives: Research the issue and assess its past, present and future implications as they relate to the Criminal Justice System. You are an “expert” in the field and the local Chief of Police, Prosecuting Attorney and/or Correctional Director has hired you to consult with them.
Write your assessment of the past history and present circumstances of the issue you selected. Include your predictions and recommendation of how this issue should be addressed by the police and/or prosecutor in the future. This paper should be 8 pages (maximum). Remember all factual material must be properly referenced throughout the text and at the end of the text. When using five words or more from a text, you must use quotation marks. The format of the paper and references must follow the most recent edition of APA. 15%| 13%| Not bad…The assignment is met but you need to clean up the mechanics. | Content is comprehensive/accurate/persuasive. | 5%| 5%| | Displays an understanding of relevant theory. | 5%| 5%| | Major points supported by specific details/examples. | 5%| 5%| | Research is adequate/timely. | 5%| 1%| I cannot tell. Where is your researched documented? | Writer has gone beyond textbook for resources. | 5%| 3%| | | | | | High-Order of Thinking| 10%| 8. 00%| | Writer compares/contrasts/integrates theory/subject matter with work environment/experience. 5%| 4. 00%| | At an appropriate level, the writer analyzes and synthesizes theory/practice to develop new ideas and ways of conceptualizing and performing. | 5%| 4. 00%| | | | | | ORGANIZATION| 20%| 19%| | The introduction provides a sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. | 4%| 3. 00%| Could be better| Central theme/purpose is immediately clear. | 4%| 4. 00%| Good job…| Structure is clear, logical, and easy to follow. | 4%| 4. 00%| Good job…| Subsequent sections develop/support the central theme. | 4%| 4. 0%| | Conclusion/recommendations follow logically from the body of the paper. | 4%| 4. 00%| Good conclusion| | | | | STYLE/MECHANICS| 30%| 19%| | Format| 10%| 3%| | Citations/reference page follow guidelines. | 3%| 0. 00%| This is NOT an APA reference page…. who are the authors, dates contributed? Date retrieved, year written? | Properly cites ideas/info from other sources. | 3%| 0. 00%| For every reference there must be an in-text citation. Where and how are you using the information from your references. | Paper is laid out effectively–uses, heading and other reader-friendly tools. 2%| 1. 00%| | Paper is neat/shows attention to detail. | 2%| 2. 00%| | | | | | Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling| 10%| 7%| | Rules of grammar, usage, punctuation are followed. | 5%| 4. 00%| | Spelling is correct. | 5%| 3. 00%| There should NEVER be a misspelling in a formal academic assignment. | | | | | Readability/Style| 10%| 9%| | Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. | 2%| 1. 00%| | Sentences are well-constructed with consistently strong, varied structure. | 2%| 2. 00%| | Transitions between sentences/paragraphs/sections help maintain