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Homicide Survivors' Painful Relegation to the Periphery of the Legal Process

Thu, Nov 14, 3:30 to 4:50pm, Salon 2 - Lower B2 Level

Abstract

Survivors of homicide are the family members, friends, and significant others of murder victims, and their immense pain is often compounded by routine practices that relegate them to the periphery of the legal process. Drawing from 34 in-depth qualitative interviews, this project examines homicide survivors’ firsthand accounts of this painful relegation. Many survivors struggle to make sense of formal procedures that seemingly favor accused murderers over victims and survivors. Additional challenges include trying to navigate unfamiliar systems that are complicated and confusing, enduring prolonged and unpredictable court proceedings, seeing and hearing the accused offender in court, and feeling ignored by prosecutors. Indeed, the only time homicide survivors typically play a role in the legal process is if they prepare a Victim Impact Statement. The U.S. features an adversarial system of justice where prosecuting and defense attorneys comprise the key courtroom players who present their positions to an impartial judge or jury. Yet, an illumination of homicide survivors’ perceptions and experiences underscores that there are more than two sides. The implications of this insight for survivors and the legal process are explored.

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