HD10 - Victims and Witnesses of Crime

  • Published: 1988
  • Author: Virginia State Crime Commission
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 225 (Regular Session, 1987)

Executive Summary:
House Joint Resolution 225, agreed to by the 1987 General Assembly, directs the Virginia State Crime Commission "to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of current services provided to victims and witnesses of crime throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, (ii) to study the concept of a Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, and (iii) to make any recommendations the Commission finds appropriate." Delegate V. Thomas Forehand Jr. of Chesapeake and Delegate John G. Dicks III of Chesterfield were the patrons of the resolution.

Section 9-125 of the Code of Virginia establishes and directs the Virginia State Crime Commission (VSCC) "to study, report and make recommendations on all areas of public safety and protection." Section 9-127 of the Code of Virginia provides that "The Commission shall have the duty and power to make such studies and gather information and data in order to accomplish its purposes as set forth in 9-125..., and to formulate its recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly." Section 9-134 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the commission "to conduct private and public hearings, and to designate a member of the Commission to preside over such hearings." The VSCC, in fulfilling its legislative mandate, undertook the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Study as directed by House Joint Resolution 225.