Overview
Victim impact statements play a vital role in the criminal justice system by allowing victims to express how a crime has affected their lives. These statements provide judges with a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical consequences of criminal acts, which can significantly influence se...
Key Terms
Example: The victim of a robbery may experience emotional distress.
Example: The judge decided on a five-year sentence.
Example: The emotional impact of the assault left the victim anxious.
Example: Judicial discretion allows judges to consider victim statements.
Example: Victim advocacy groups help individuals navigate the legal system.
Example: The victim's testimony was crucial to the case.
Related Topics
Restorative Justice
An approach focusing on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior, emphasizing healing for victims and offenders.
intermediateVictim Advocacy
The support and assistance provided to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access resources.
intermediateSentencing Guidelines
Rules that set out the standard penalties for specific crimes, guiding judges in their sentencing decisions.
advancedKey Concepts
emotional impactlegal processsentencingvictim rights