Victims of Heritage Crimes: Aspects of Legal and Socio-Economic Justice

Abstract The aim of this research is to show how different groups stakeholders are suffering as a result heritage crime. Research primarily addresses Latvian situation (with international comparisons) in relation archaeological sites the most vulnerable, however, findings can be applicable other objects and broader territory well. Most these currently limited in, if not denied, access justice rights for an effective remedy within traditional criminal law system. Insufficient level social awareness socio-economic benefits stemming from integrity, development, use together with existing legal constraints results poor self-recognition by individuals victims While suffered parties abstain protecting their rights, there lack information proactive action public authorities including enforcement. Current analyses nature scope immediate harm resulted damage extended consequences crime stakeholders’ groups. It points at inefficiency standard retributive approach evaluates restorative elements reaching victims. could used better recognition benefits, therefore intact sites, amending regulation, providing individual collective parties, allowing mass victimisation facilitating prevention