Abstract
In the last two decades, there have been several helpful and progressive reforms dedicated to changing the landscape of sexual violence. Yet, survivors of sexual assault lack a voice in the criminal justice process. The support offered by victim advocates and coordinators allows victims to be seen but not heard by the court. This Note contends that the progressive step the criminal justice system must take is an independent victim’s counsel program similar to the United States military. This Note proposes model legislation establishing an Independent Victim’s Counsel program in federal and state criminal justice systems. It is time for legislators to do more by enabling survivors to be heard through independent counsel.
Recommended Citation
Madelyn Hayward,
A RIGHT TO BE HEARD: A PROPOSAL FOR INDEPENDENT VICTIM’S COUNSEL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS,
49
S. Ill. U. L.J.
101
(2024).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol49/iss1/7