The Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA), officially titled the Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn Crime Victims’ Rights Act, is a federal statute enacted as part of the Justice for All Act of 2004. Codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3771, it establishes eight specific rights for victims of federal crimes and offenses committed in the District of Columbia, requiring prosecutors to confer with victims in criminal proceedings. These rights include reasonable protection from the accused, timely notice of court proceedings or releases, the right not to be excluded from public proceedings unless justified, the opportunity to be heard at key stages like release or sentencing, the right to confer with government attorneys, full and timely restitution, proceedings free from unreasonable delay, and treatment with fairness, respect for dignity, and privacy. The Act aims to ensure victims have a meaningful role in the federal criminal justice process, addressing historical imbalances where victims were often sidelined. The CVRA mandates that the Attorney General promulgate regulations within one year of enactment to enforce these rights and promote compliance by officials. Victims, their representatives, or government attorneys can assert these rights in court, but accused persons cannot seek relief under the Act. It does not create a private right of action outside existing proceedings but integrates enforcement into judicial processes, including standing for victims to challenge violations. The law applies to federal cases and D.C. offenses, influencing practices through mechanisms like victim notification systems and impact statements. It has been invoked in high-profile cases, such as challenges to plea deals, and complements other laws like the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provisions. While the CVRA has expanded victim protections, it has faced criticism for implementation challenges, including delays in notifications and varying enforcement across districts. Organizations like the National Crime Victim Law Institute advocate for its robust application, and it remains a cornerstone of federal victims' rights without a corresponding constitutional amendment, unlike many states. The Act's passage marked a significant step in recognizing victims' participatory rights, signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 30, 2004.