What is the purpose of victim impact statements?

Victim impact statements serve a crucial role in the legal process by allowing victims of crime to share firsthand how the crime has affected their lives emotionally, physically, and financially. This testimony is intended to give the court a more comprehensive understanding of the consequences of the crime beyond just the factual circumstances of the offense. By presenting the personal and emotional toll that the crime has taken on victims and their families, these statements can significantly influence sentencing decisions and help ensure that the impact on victims is considered during legal proceedings.

This choice underscores the rehabilitative aspect of the criminal justice system, as it emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the victims and addressing their suffering in the aftermath of a crime. Through victim impact statements, the legal process becomes more humanized and responsive to those who have directly suffered from criminal activity.