The rights of victims and society in the In Genere inquiry [Book synopsis]

Abstract

In this policy paper, the Għaqda Studenti tal-Ligi interrogate the situation of victims of crime in relation to magisterial inquiries to determine how the rights of these victims can be improved. To arrive at a list of proposed suggestions, the Law Students’ Society traces the development of victims’ rights in Malta, mainly in the Criminal Code and in the Victims of Crime Act, and outlines the current state of play in so far as victims of crime’s rights are concerned as to their limited participation in the in genere inquiry, minimal access to the acts of the magisterial inquiry whilst the inquiry is still ongoing and after its conclusion, the locus standi of the Attorney General in the inquiry especially once the inquiry is concluded, and the latter officer’s power to take further action in the proper interest of criminal justice and of victims of crime. [excerpt]