ABSTRACT

For centuries, the adage “Crime Wounds… Justice Heals,” 1 has been at the heart of the American criminal justice system. Traditionally, the focus has been on crime as a violation of the law, offering punishment as the appropriate remedy. 2 By limiting reparation to the punishment of the offender, this system has neglected to take into account the needs of the victim, ignoring one of the most important aspects of the justice system. 3