Multi-Site Survey of Victims of Crime and Criminal Justice Professionals across Canada: Summary of Defence Counsel Respondents: Summary of Defence Counsel Respondents
| Main Reasons Cited: | Victim Services (n=105) | Crown Attorneys (n=90) | Defence Counsel (n=147) | Police (n=128) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inappropriate or irrelevant material | -- | 43% | 31% | -- |
| Contain inflammatory or prejudicial claims | -- | -- | 18% | -- |
| Inject emotion into the process | -- | -- | 13% | -- |
| Difficulties preparing statement or insufficient assistance | 32% | -- | -- | -- |
| Lack of awareness or information | 17% | -- | -- | 2% |
| Defence counsel objections or cross-examination | 16% | 18% | -- | 21% |
| Difficult to challenge | -- | -- | 10% | -- |
| Contradict previous statement | -- | -- | 8% | -- |
| Delays in court proceedings | -- | 11% | 3% | -- |
| Literacy or language barriers | 30% | 10% | -- | 16% |
| Victim disinterest or fear or reluctance on part of victim | 5% | 6% | -- | 13% |
| Time constraints | 16% | 7% | -- | 21% |
| Detracts from sentencing guidelines | -- | -- | 14% | -- |
| Victims are coached | -- | -- | 5% | -- |
| Are given too much weight in sentencing | -- | -- | 3% | -- |
| Perception that is not considered | 8% | -- | -- | 12% |
| Crown Attorney or judicial reluctance | 10% | -- | -- | 8% |
| Lack of awareness by criminal justice professionals | -- | -- | -- | 4% |
| Other | 12% | 13% | 13% | 6% |
| No response | -- | 4% | 5% | 9% |
- Date modified: