Criminology and Victimology: In Search of Justice

Criminal administration, judicial processes and related jurisprudence revolves round the crime, criminal and punishment. This emphasis seems apt in retributive societies with punitive legal codes. But in the bargain, the judicial system loses sight of the plight of the victims of the crimes who remain neglected with apathy. The victims could be those directly affected by the crime and suffering pain and deprivation and indirectly, those family members and others dependent upon the incarcerated criminal who are affected for lack of financial supportand sustenance provided by the imprisoned criminal as bread-winner. The tragedy is equally poignant and demands amelioration. Apart from sympathy and sensitivity, the directly affected also deserve monetary compensation or maintenance doles for their daily bread, if necessary. This article proposes a Relief Fund for the sustenance of these victims of crimes. It could begin with a corpus from the state exchequer which could be supplemented and replenished from the earnings of the respective prisoners in jail. This will be true distributive justice upholding the cause of victimology.