Victim Impact Statements (VISs) are reports prepared by victims of crime to inform a judge or prosecutor about the impact of the crime on their lives. VISs provide a way for victims to have their voices heard in the criminal justice system and have been used since the 1980s to influence the sentencing of offenders (Victims of Crime, n.d.). In this essay, the use of VISs in sentencing will be assessed, and the effects that this has on both offenders and victims will be discussed.
The use of VISs in sentencing has been shown to be beneficial to victims. By providing a platform to express the emotional, physical, and financial costs of a crime, victims are able to have their stories heard and the trauma they have experienced acknowledged (Victims of Crime, n.d.). The written statement can provide victims with a sense of validation, as well as a feeling of justice being served and closure. Furthermore, the introduction of VISs in the court process has resulted in more serious sentences for offenders due to the emotional testimonies.
On the other hand, the use of VISs in sentencing can have a detrimental effect on offenders. The emotionally charged testimonies can lead to more severe sentences, even if they are not necessarily justified (Victims of Crime, n.d.). For instance, the sentence may be amplified due to the victim’s personal animosity towards the offender, rather than the actual severity of the crime. This could also reduce the rehabilitation opportunities available to the offender, making it difficult for them to re-enter society.
In conclusion, Victim Impact Statements (VISs) can have both positive and negative implications for both victims and offenders. On one hand, VISs can provide victims with a sense of justice and resolution. On the other hand, they can also result in undeservedly harsh punishments for offenders. Therefore, it is essential that these statements are examined objectively and fairly in order to ensure that both victims and offenders are given an equitable resolution.
Reference
Victims of Crime. (n.d.). Victim Impact Statements. Web.