A victim impact statement is used to establish guilt at trial.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A victim impact statement is not used to establish guilt at trial. Its purpose is to allow the victim (or their representative) to share how the crime has impacted them emotionally, physically, and financially. The statement can be used in sentencing to help the judge understand the full impact of the crime on the victim and their family. However, guilt is established through evidence presented by the prosecutor and determined by the judge or jury.

A Victim Impact Statement Is Used to Establish Guilt at Trial