The Evolution of Victim Rights: From Marginalisation to Legal Recognition

This paper sheds light on the topic of rights of the victims as with the emphasis moving from offender-centric frameworks to more balanced methods that recognise the interests and voices of victims, victim rights have emerged as a crucial element of contemporary criminal justice systems. This study examines victim rights' development, application, and difficulties, noting how they have changed both the experience of those affected by crime and the legal system. In the past, victims had little opportunity to participate in the legal system or seek restitution and were instead assigned to passive roles. That being said, during the last few decades, victim empowerment changes have been greatly accelerated by advocacy groups. At different stages of the legal process, the rights to information, presence, and hearing are important legal procedures. Victims are now guaranteed timely updates by several jurisdictions.