VICTIMS OF CRIME AND LAW-AND-ORDER IDEOLOGY - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This article will argue that conservative forces in the community have used the renewed concern for crime victims in order to further their own political positions, rather than to genuinely advance crime victim s' interests. These forces, commonly referred to as the 'law-and-order ' lobby, include right wing politicians, the police and some sections of the media. The ideology which informs their approach will be critic ally examined, as well as the most important specific policies relatin g to crime victims deriving from this ideology.