The Docket – Episode 8: Victims’ Rights with Steve Sullivan
The role of victims in the criminal justice system has received a great deal of attention in recent months.
The Jian Ghomeshi affair and the Parliament Hill scandal have ignited a public debate about sexual assault complaints.
The Conservatives’ criminal justice agenda has long been occupied with legislation that purportedly assists victims.
Take for example bill C-32 – the Victims’ Bill of Rights. The Conservatives contended that legislation addressing victims’ rights was necessary because – as Harper said – “For too long, the voices of victims have been silenced, while the system coddled criminals.”
Is this true? Is the Victims’ Bill of Rights a solution in search of a problem? What is the proper role of victims in criminal proceedings?
This week Leo and I spoke with Steve Sullivan – the first federal ombudsman for victims of crime -to discuss the important issue of victims and the criminal justice system.
For more Steve Sullivan follow him on twitter – here
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