Final answer:
The number of states that require victim notification if an offender has escaped from prison varies and is dependent on state laws. Three states require that a victim be notified if an offender has escaped from prison. Therefore, the correct option is b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement for victim notification if an offender has escaped from prison is dictated by state laws, and these laws can vary significantly from one state to another. In the United States, there is a federal law known as the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act of 1990, which standardizes certain rights for crime victims, including the right to be reasonably protected from the accused and to be notified of any release or escape of the accused.
However, the question regarding the specific number of states that require victim notification of an escape is more complicated and can change over time as state laws are updated. Most states have victim notification systems in place, often called Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), which automatically notify registered victims about changes in the custody status of offenders, including escapes. To give an accurate figure, it is essential to consult the most recent legal resources or state department corrections websites.
Since laws change and the information could be outdated by the time of this writing, you should consult a reliable and current source for the precise number of states with such a requirement. This type of law falls within the area known as victims' rights law, which is a component of the legal system that deals with the rights of victims within the criminal justice system.
Therefore, the correct option is b).
"Your question is incomplete, probably the complete question/missing part is:"
How many states require that a victim be notified if an offender has escaped from prison?
a. Zero
b. Three
c. Fifteen
d. Fifty