The families of murder victims will be able to face their killers after a major Parole Board shake-up.
Relatives will also be able to have their say before offenders are allowed to walk free early.
Victims of rape and other crimes will be allowed to face their attackers too, following a review of the current system.
It comes after a controversial parole bid by black cab rapist John Worboys and the release of double killer Colin Pitchfork.
As a result of the review, the Parole Board will be given new powers and the right to operate as an independent court – but hearings will only be held in public if a panel believes it is “in the interest of justice”.
Barbara Ashworth, 75, whose 15-year-old daughter Dawn was raped and murdered by Pitchfork in 1988, said: “I hope the legacy of our criticism will be that there is more opportunity for victims to give their views.
“They don’t get considered, which is completely wrong.
“I fully believe Pitchfork should never have been released and I don’t want anyone else to go through what we went through.
“Your life is shattered when this happens. I can’t close my eyes at night – it’s still with me.”
The root and branch review – set to be published next summer – was ordered earlier this year by then Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.
A source said: “The Parole Board have been pushing for independent court status and that is likely to happen. It will mean victims have more access to the system and the board will have powers to compel witnesses to give evidence.”
A 2018 proposal to release serial rapist Worboys, 64, triggered a huge backlash and resulted in Parole Board chairman Nick Hardwick resigning.
After Worboys’ release order was quashed, the London cabbie was handed further sentences for other sex attacks. There was more anger in September when Pitchfork, 61, was freed on the grounds he was no longer a danger.
He was jailed for life in 1989 for killing Dawn and Lynda Mann, also 15, in Leics.
Dr Thomas Guiney, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Nottingham University, said the review should “leave no stone unturned” in protecting the public and preparing prisoners for safe release.
He added: “We rightly expect voices of victims to be treated with dignity and respect at every stage of the criminal justice system and parole hearings should be no different.”
South Leics MP Alberto Costa, who opposed Pitchfork’s release, said: “I will continue to campaign vigorously to improve the independent Parole Board system to ensure the views of victims and families are fully taken into account.”
