Which participants in the criminal justice system have traditionally been forgotten?

Victims have traditionally been forgotten participants in the criminal justice system due to a historical focus on the accused and the legal processes surrounding the prosecution and defense. Often, the system was predominantly concerned with securing convictions and protecting the rights of defendants, which inadvertently marginalized the perspectives and experiences of victims.

Victims typically play a crucial role in criminal cases, as they provide evidence and testimony, and their safety and well-being are often affected by the outcomes of legal proceedings. However, until more recent reforms, their needs, rights, and the impact of crime on their lives were not adequately addressed within the legal framework. This oversight has led to a growing movement towards victim advocacy and the implementation of rights for victims, recognizing their importance in the justice process.

While defendants, witnesses, and law enforcement officers also hold significant roles within the criminal justice system, victims' contributions and needs have historically received less attention and consideration in comparison. The shift towards incorporating victim rights and services reflects a broader understanding of justice that includes the experiences of all parties involved, but historically, it has been the victims who have been overlooked.