MEASURED JUSTICE — Victims’ Rights: In History and Practice

In this episode of Measured Justice, we take a deep dive into victims’ rights, an area of the criminal justice system that can sometimes get lost in the shuffle when talking about reform. All states, the District of Columbia, and most U.S. territories have statutory or constitutional provisions that ensure rights and protections for victims of crime. Two key federal laws also address victims’ rights. But what does that mean? Today we are joined by Steve Twist, founder of Arizona Voice for Crime Victims and VP and general counsel at Services Group of America, as well as Shannon Johanni, research director for the Academy for Justice, a former prosecutor and victim advocate, and longtime criminal justice professional. Our guests discuss the origins of victims’ rights in Arizona and beyond, as well as what hurdles are faced in practice (i.e. when a victim is unwilling or reluctant to participate in prosecution), and what needs to be done to ensure justice when a victim’s rights conflict with a defendant’s rights.