Provides a deeply textured view of how victims' voices are introduced and heard in courts
This volume examines sentencing hearings in criminal court and the presentation of victim impact statements, and child protection cases in juvenile court and the recommendations of guardians ad litem (GALS). Through interviews, observations, and textual analysis, all deeply grounded in an innovative court watch program, the authors illuminate the most effective persuasive practices of victim advocates and GALS as they help protect the rights and needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Schuster and Propen offer nuanced interpretations of these strategies in the courtroom setting, and provide an understanding of how to develop successful advocacy for vulnerable parties in the legal arena.
