Victims' and Witnesses' Rights: Simple Guide for Kids

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Sanii

07/06/2023

Humanities

Criminology unit 3 - AC1.4

Subjects

Humanities

Victims' and Witnesses' Rights: Simple Guide for Kids

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The Victims' Code and Witness Charter outline crucial rights of victims and witnesses in criminal investigations in England and Wales. This comprehensive guide explains the key entitlements and support available throughout the criminal justice process, including reporting crimes, giving statements, attending court, and seeking compensation. It also covers the rights of suspects under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act, detailing procedures for stop and search, arrest, and questioning.

...

07/06/2023

2524

Rights of individuals:
Victims: rights outlined in Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
• Right 1 - have an interpreter present when filing

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Victims' Rights in Criminal Investigations

The Victims' Code outlines several important rights for victims of crime in England and Wales. These rights are designed to ensure fair treatment, support, and information throughout the criminal justice process.

Key rights for victims include:

Access to an interpreter when filing a report at a police station
Having the police listen to and record their statement promptly
Receiving written confirmation following their statement, including a crime reference number and officer details
Being informed about the case progress, verdict, and potential appeals
The opportunity to participate in Restorative Justice if the offender agrees
The right to make a new Personal Statement if the offender is found guilty or released early
Access to the Victim Contact Scheme for regular updates on parole and prison progress
Information on compensation claims and the return of personal belongings used as evidence
The ability to file a complaint if they feel their rights haven't been met

Highlight: Victims have the right to be protected from further harm, including retaliation or re-victimization, especially if the suspect or offender is released and poses a threat.

Vocabulary: Restorative Justice is a process where victims can meet with offenders to discuss the impact of the crime and seek resolution.

Example: If a victim feels unsafe due to a released offender, they can contact emergency services by calling 999.

View

Witness Rights and Standards of Care

The Witness Charter outlines the standards of care and rights that witnesses can expect during criminal investigations and court proceedings in the UK.

Key standards and rights for witnesses include:

Fair treatment regardless of protected characteristics, with access to interpreters if needed
Clear explanation of the investigation process and potential timelines
Option for video-recorded statements, especially for vulnerable witnesses
Opportunity to make a Victim Personal Statement
Ability to review and confirm the accuracy of their statement
Regular updates throughout the investigation and court process
Support from the Witness Care Unit for vulnerable witnesses or those fearing retaliation
Assistance from the Witness Service at court, including special arrangements like video link testimony
Information about appeals and the potential need to provide evidence again
Guidance on compensation claims and reimbursement for travel expenses
Right to complain about service received through internal complaints procedures

Definition: The Witness Care Unit is a specialized service that provides support and information to vulnerable witnesses or those testifying for the prosecution.

Highlight: Witnesses have the right to remain updated throughout the entire investigation process, including decisions made, sentences given, and any requirements to attend court.

Example: A vulnerable witness might be allowed to give their statement via video link instead of appearing in person at court.

View

Suspect Rights and Police Powers

The Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act outlines the rights of suspects and the powers of the police during criminal investigations in the UK.

Key points regarding suspect rights and police powers include:

Stop and search powers:
- Police can stop, question, and search individuals under certain circumstances
- Officers must be in uniform or show their warrant card
- Individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions
- Reasonable grounds are required for searches, except when approved by a senior officer
Search procedures:
- Officers must provide their name, station, and reasons for the search
- Religious items must be removed in private
- Same-sex officers must conduct searches requiring removal of clothing
Arrest procedures:
- Police can arrest without a warrant under section 24 of the PACE Act
- Reasonable grounds for arrest must exist
- Officers must inform suspects of the arrest and reasons
- Suspects must be read their rights and cautioned

Quote: The caution states, "You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in court. Anything you say could be used as evidence."

Vocabulary: A warrant card is an official identification card carried by police officers to prove their authority.

Highlight: Suspects have the right to remain silent during questioning, but this may affect how their defense is perceived in court if they later provide information they didn't mention during initial questioning.

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Subjects

Humanities

Victims' and Witnesses' Rights: Simple Guide for Kids

Sanii

@saniii.4

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07/06/2023

2524

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Victims' Rights in Criminal Investigations

Key rights for victims include:

Access to an interpreter when filing a report at a police station
Having the police listen to and record their statement promptly
Receiving written confirmation following their statement, including a crime reference number and officer details
Being informed about the case progress, verdict, and potential appeals
The opportunity to participate in Restorative Justice if the offender agrees
The right to make a new Personal Statement if the offender is found guilty or released early
Access to the Victim Contact Scheme for regular updates on parole and prison progress
Information on compensation claims and the return of personal belongings used as evidence
The ability to file a complaint if they feel their rights haven't been met

Highlight: Victims have the right to be protected from further harm, including retaliation or re-victimization, especially if the suspect or offender is released and poses a threat.

Vocabulary: Restorative Justice is a process where victims can meet with offenders to discuss the impact of the crime and seek resolution.

Example: If a victim feels unsafe due to a released offender, they can contact emergency services by calling 999.

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Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Witness Rights and Standards of Care

The Witness Charter outlines the standards of care and rights that witnesses can expect during criminal investigations and court proceedings in the UK.

Key standards and rights for witnesses include:

Fair treatment regardless of protected characteristics, with access to interpreters if needed
Clear explanation of the investigation process and potential timelines
Option for video-recorded statements, especially for vulnerable witnesses
Opportunity to make a Victim Personal Statement
Ability to review and confirm the accuracy of their statement
Regular updates throughout the investigation and court process
Support from the Witness Care Unit for vulnerable witnesses or those fearing retaliation
Assistance from the Witness Service at court, including special arrangements like video link testimony
Information about appeals and the potential need to provide evidence again
Guidance on compensation claims and reimbursement for travel expenses
Right to complain about service received through internal complaints procedures

Definition: The Witness Care Unit is a specialized service that provides support and information to vulnerable witnesses or those testifying for the prosecution.

Highlight: Witnesses have the right to remain updated throughout the entire investigation process, including decisions made, sentences given, and any requirements to attend court.

Example: A vulnerable witness might be allowed to give their statement via video link instead of appearing in person at court.

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Suspect Rights and Police Powers

The Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act outlines the rights of suspects and the powers of the police during criminal investigations in the UK.

Key points regarding suspect rights and police powers include:

Stop and search powers:
- Police can stop, question, and search individuals under certain circumstances
- Officers must be in uniform or show their warrant card
- Individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions
- Reasonable grounds are required for searches, except when approved by a senior officer
Search procedures:
- Officers must provide their name, station, and reasons for the search
- Religious items must be removed in private
- Same-sex officers must conduct searches requiring removal of clothing
Arrest procedures:
- Police can arrest without a warrant under section 24 of the PACE Act
- Reasonable grounds for arrest must exist
- Officers must inform suspects of the arrest and reasons
- Suspects must be read their rights and cautioned

Quote: The caution states, "You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you later rely on in court. Anything you say could be used as evidence."

Vocabulary: A warrant card is an official identification card carried by police officers to prove their authority.

Highlight: Suspects have the right to remain silent during questioning, but this may affect how their defense is perceived in court if they later provide information they didn't mention during initial questioning.

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Rights of Individuals in Criminal Investigations

The document outlines the rights and entitlements of victims, witnesses, and suspects in criminal investigations in England and Wales. It provides a comprehensive overview of the support and protections available to each group throughout the criminal justice process.

Key points:

Victims' rights are outlined in the Code of Practice for victims of crime in England and Wales
Witnesses' rights are detailed in the Witness Charter
Suspects' rights are governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act
The guide covers various stages of the criminal justice process, from reporting a crime to potential appeals and compensation
Special provisions are in place for vulnerable individuals and those with specific needs

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

4.9+

Average app rating

20 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user