Shajobi-Ibinkule D. Gloria, Suleiman M. Barnabas

Keywords: Victimization, victim rights, legal education, Criminal Justice System

Abstract

While the justice system places much premium on rights of defendants, victim rights and interests embedded in victimology is not given as much prominence. In many ways, victimization of those who already suffered harm or abuse occurs in the justice system. This study examines Statutes that have accorded rights and protects victims of crime and identified gaps existing in treatment of crime victims. The doctrinal research methodology was used for the study relying on primary and secondary sources of data as well as online resources. The study findings revealed that although it has roots in other disciplines, victimology has now gained traction as a new field in criminal justice system. Also, the Nigerian Constitution and penal Statutes majorly restrict themselves to rights of defendants; while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 and the Violence Against Persons Act of 2015 contained novel provisions for protection of victims of crime. The study concludes that there is need for the promulgation of a Victim Rights Act which should inculcate comprehensive victims’ rights and interest as exemplified in the United Nations Basic Principle of Justice for victims of crime. Thus, the study recommends that victims of sexual, violent, transnational and organized crime such as terrorism, illegal trafficking should be afforded rights which address their specific needs in relation to the violations committed against them. Also, under-graduate legal education curriculum should incorporate the study of victimology, as this will properly equip lawyers to advocate not only for defendants but for victims as well.

Author Biography

Shajobi-Ibinkule, D. Gloria

Department of Private and Property Law, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

Suleiman M. Barnabas

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Baze University, Abuja

View PDF