Victim Impact Statement
/ˈvɪktɪm ˈɪmpækt ˈsteɪtmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A written or oral statement presented by a crime victim outlining the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the crime to assist the court during sentencing or parole decisions.
The victim impact statement detailed the lasting trauma suffered by the family.
Forms
- victim impact statement
- victim impact statements
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Victim impact statements provide a victim-centered perspective, helping courts understand the broader consequences of the offense beyond legal facts.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.