Victim Participation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Victim Participation - Essay Example 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,