Identify arguments for and against the use of victim impact statements during sentencing hearings
What will be an ideal response?
• Victim impact statements allow victims and survivors to tell the judge and/or jury about the impact of the criminal offense.
• Arguments in favor of VIS include that VIS balance the equation by giving victims and survivors a voice in the justice process. Presenting a VIS is said to have psychological benefits for victims. VIS also help judges and jurors make informed sentencing decisions.
• Arguments against VIS include that these statements may inject dangerously prejudicial evidence into the sentencing process, which should be governed by reason rather than emotion. Some suggest that VIS introduce the idea of "social value" into the courtroom by shifting the focus of punishment onto the social value of the victim.
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