Reference no: EM131477459 , Length: word count:900

Policy report for my assignment in criminology

The Policy Report task is focused on victim-oriented reforms. In Weeks Four, Five and Six we explore key challenges that victims confront during the criminal justice process.

These include:

• Feeling that they are not being given adequate consideration in decisions;
• Feeling that they have been 'forgotten' due to the low level of victim participation during the police and criminal trial phases;
• Wanting to withdraw their support of the prosecution;
• Feeling discredited and/or blamed during cross-examination;
• Feeling dissatis?ed with the length and form of sentence imposed.

We have also examined some of the reforms that have been introduced to increase victim participation in, and satisfaction with, the criminal justice system. For this assignment you should focus on ONE of the following victim-oriented policy responses/reforms in Victoria:

• Reform to allow vulnerable victims to give evidence beyond the sight of the accused
• Reform to limit cross-examination of sexual assault complainants
• Youth Justice Group Conferencing

The Policy Report task must be based on ONE of the three Victorian victim-oriented policy responses/reforms listed above. You are required to write a concise report. Your report should:

1. Introduce the policy under focus (200 words);

2. Brie?y summarise why there was a need for that policy (200 words); and

3. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of the policy (600 words).