Defining Justice

Sara Payne has, following the horrific murder of her little girl, been a courageous and energetic campaigner for victim support. He work has brought real improvements.

In defining justice itself we need always to remember that victims cannot be part of that process or the critical line between justice and vengeance starts to move. Mrs Pain is right to ask for more support for victims and a more inclusive explanation of the basis of any punishment given out by the courts.

Victims should understand the nature of any punishment but they must not play a part in defining it.