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Victim Impact Statement

A Victim Impact Statement is a written or oral statement presented in court by a victim of a crime. It allows the victim to describe how the crime has affected their life, including emotional, physical, and financial impacts. This statement helps the judge or jury understand the consequences of the crime on the victim, enabling them to consider these effects during sentencing. It gives the victim a voice in the legal process and can influence the outcome by highlighting the crime's real repercussions on individuals and the community.

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    A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement provided by a crime victim during the sentencing phase of a criminal trial. It describes how the crime affected the victim's life emotionally, physically, and financially. This statement is intended to inform the judge about the real consequences of the crime, allowing them to consider the victim's suffering when deciding on the appropriate sentence for the offender. It serves as a way for victims to share their experiences, ensuring their voices are heard in the legal process.