There are good reasons why a criminal trial is set up as the state against the alleged offender, with the victim's role only to tell the truth as a witness if required. Making the victim "pick a punishment" (Violent offenders and burglars in 'tough' justice secretary's sights, 10 October) is making the victim a target for intimidation. The bizarre policies being showcased in Birmingham this week show us that however unpleasant the coalition seems, a majority Conservative government would be far worse. Matthew Huntbach London

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