ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on victims’ experiences with the criminal justice system—namely how victims interact with law enforcement and the courts. An important theme in this chapter concerns how some victims have more positive experiences than others, and how some experience a form of secondary victimization with respect to how they are treated throughout the legal process. As well, we will discuss the impact of victimization on legal reforms, including victim impact statements, and victim compensation. Overall, the broader purpose of this chapter is to better understand the consequences—both positive and negative—victims experience as a result of their contact with the criminal legal system. A discussion of gaps and challenges, as well as a listing of key readings and discussion questions, are provided.
