Rights of Victims and Witness within the Military Justice System

Between 1982 and 1990, the United States Congress enacted a series of laws designed to inform victims and witnesses of crime of their rights and positions in the criminal justice system. The last of the series, the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990, imposed a duty on departments and agencies of the United States engaged in detecting, investigating, or prosecuting crimes, and incarcerating those convicted, to see that victims are accorded specific rights and certain services. Congress via the President directed the Department of the Navy (DON) meet mandatory requirements in rela…