Τhe application of key points of Criminological Theory historically to contemporary Criminal Law for Crime Victims

• In Event: EHC-WG Panel 5: Victims and Vulnerable Groups in Historical Criminology

Abstract

Contemporary legislation for crime victims in Europe and internationally emphasizes rights’ institution, services’ provision in the direction of strengthening human protection and effective settlement of basic issues, such as compensation and overcoming existing difficulties, considering current social developments. However, important issues that are topical today have their roots in earlier historical periods were - and still are - the subject of criminological theory. This paper highlights some of the main pillars of criminological theory historically and determines their relationship to contemporary criminal law for crime victims. For example, the psychiatric approach for the criminal behavior interpretation, the victimological approach of crime and the need for an adequate victim compensation, the possibility of a retributive response to crime and its implications for the criminal and the administration of criminal justice, are only some indicative issues that are decisively connected with the victim’s role in activating the mechanism of official social control of crime nowadays and with contemporary criminal legislation for victims.

Author

• VASILIKI VLACHOU, PANTEION UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES