In a column a journal editor or an author expresses his or her opinion on a particular subject.

In an editorial article the editors supply a commentary on the topics covered in the journal.

Research on magistrates’ penal attitudes has long been a blank spot in both the Netherlands and in Belgium. In the Netherlands, a theoretically integrated measurement instrument has been developed revealing the general structure of penal attitudes held by Dutch judges. It showed that the complex of penal attitudes is dominated by two independent perspectives: harsh treatment and social constructiveness. The latter perspective encompasses rehabilitation and restorative justice. Replicating the Dutch measurement instrument, penal attitudes of Belgian magistrates were recently examined. This article reports the results and compares them to earlier findings in the Netherlands. It is shown that, in contrast to Dutch magistrates’ penal attitudes, the structure of Belgian magistrates’ attitudes reveals an autonomous role for restorative justice. This finding and possible explanations are elaborated upon.

In Western languages those affected by crime are universally labelled as the sacrificed ones. This label is inspired by the suffering of Jesus Christ and evokes images of helplessness and meekness. It acts as hidden justification for the marginal, self-effacing role of victims in criminal procedure and restorative justice. The author argues for deconstruction of the stereotypical victim label and the creation of more space in criminal procedure for victims as autonomous parties. In his view the recent innovation in Dutch law of a limited Victim Impact Statement still gives victims insufficient voice. He also argues for a reconceptualisation of restorative justice practices as a supplement to the criminal trial rather than as a substitute.

Tineke Cleiren reageert op het artikel De komende emancipatie van het slachtoffer van Jan van Dijk.

Renée Kool reageert op het artikel De komende emancipatie van het slachtoffer van Jan van Dijk.

Lode Walgrave reageert op het artikel De komende emancipatie van het slachtoffer van Jan van Dijk.

John Blad reageert op het artikel De komende emancipatie van het slachtoffer van Jan van Dijk.

Jan van Dijk reageert op de discussie naar aanleiding van zijn artikel De komende emancipatie van het slachtoffer.