Abstract ,criminology.docx

CRIMINOLOGY – ABSTRACT VISHNU .P BC0150035

Extensive study on Role of victims in criminal proceedings

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Aims and Objectives The aim of this project is to explore and analyse the role of the victim during criminal proceedings. The project aims at analyzing the interaction of the victims with the constituent elements of the criminal justice system ie. the police, lawyers and courts and the role played by him at each stage of the criminal process. Objectives of this project include looking at victims of sexual offences and their special needs and role and also analysing the concept of compensation to victims. The project suggests remedial measures to enhance the role of victims during criminal proceedings and to sensitise the criminal justice system to the needs and expectations of the victims. Nature of Project The project is analytical as well as descriptive in nature. However majority of the project is analytical in nature. Sources of Data The sources of data used are secondary in nature. A host of leading textbooks on criminal procedure and victimology have been referred to. Articles from leading journals like Criminal Law Journal, Criminal Law Review, Cochin University Law Review etc. have been used. Case reporters like All India Reporter, Supreme Court Cases and Criminal Law Journal have also been referred to. Scope and Limitation The scope of this project is limited to studying the role of the victim in criminal proceedings from the point of view of the law of criminal procedure, analysing the flaws in the system which prevent the victim from playing an effective role in the criminal justice system and to suggest remedies to enhance the role of the victim in the criminal process. The project does not look at the role of the victim in criminal proceedings in the USA and also does not explore victimological theories relating to victims and types of victims etc.

Research Questions The following are the research questions:        

Why is the study of the victim and his role during criminal proceedings important in criminal law? How has the role of the victim in criminal law evolved? How does the victim interact with the various elements of the criminal justice system and what is his role during the various stages of the criminal process? What are the special needs and rights of victims of sexual offences? How and why is compensation to victims awarded? Are the present schemes for victim compensation in India adequate? If not how can they be improved? How can the Criminal Justice System be sensitized to the rights and needs of the victims? How can the role of the victim during criminal proceedings be enhanced and made more effective so as to help facilitate the development and improvement of the criminal justice system?