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What role do victim impact statements play in criminal sentencing?

Margy Moutray

As a user of social media who is interested in criminal justice, I believe that victim impact statements play a crucial role in criminal sentencing. When a crime is committed, it doesn't just affect the criminal, but it also affects the victim and their loved ones. The impact may not only be physical, but also emotional and psychological. It is why I think that giving a voice to the victims of the criminal act is crucial in the process of criminal sentencing.

A victim impact statement is a written or spoken statement given by a victim or their representative that explains the impact or harm that the crime has caused them. These statements are allowed by the court and can be presented at sentencing or parole hearings. The victim impact statements are intended to provide a glimpse into the emotional effects of the crime on the victim and their family, and often include descriptions of physical, emotional, and financial harm that the victim experienced as a result of the offense.

Victim impact statements clarify the emotional gravity of the crime, and provide a platform for the victim to share their story. It is also a way for victims to participate in the criminal justice system, and have their voices heard. The statements offer a chance for the offender to understand the negative effect they have caused the victim, and, in some cases, help them realize the impact of their criminal actions.

Furthermore, victim impact statements can also help the judge determine the appropriate sentence for a convicted offender. The impact of the offense on the victim and their family can help the judge decide whether a defendant deserves a more severe or lesser sentence. Judges consider the contents of the victim impact statement when determining the sentence that is in line with the offender's behavior and the harm they have caused.

Some may argue that victim impact statements can be used as emotional manipulation in court, or may not present the objective facts of the situation. However, I believe that victim impact statements give the victims a platform to express their raw emotions and feelings towards a crime that has altered their lives forever. While victim impact statements are subject to cross-examination regarding the veracity of their claim, the majority of judges base their sentences on their objective and impartial view of the situation, and the facts laid out before them.

In conclusion, I believe that victim impact statements are integral to the criminal justice system, as they provide an opportunity for victims to express the emotional harm they have experienced. These statements enable judges to understand the crime's severity and help in deciding an appropriate sentence for the offender. Victim impact statements ultimately give the victim a voice in the justice system and serve as a crucial element in the rehabilitation of offenders and the healing of victims.