VIS: An Example Of A Victim Impact Statement

Victim impact statements (VIS) are written statements submitted to the court by the victims that give them the once chance to tell their side of the story. One advantage VIS have is they allow victims to freely tell the court whatever they want in regards to how the crime as affected them mentally, socially and financially. This process is satisfying to the victims, whether their statements affected their offender’s sentencing decision or not. With the option of presenting a VIS, the opportunity to be heard has a therapeutic effect on the victim and allows them to view the system in a positive way. Those who don’t support VIS argue that they allow feelings and emotions get in the way of allowing fair sentences for offenders. Consequently, harsher or longer sentences may be the outcome for an offender after hearing a victim impact statement. However, the courts rule that it is fair and just for victims to express their sufferings due to a crime. …show more content…
It only seems fair and just that victims are allowed to tell their part of the story on how the crime has affected their lives. Although there is already controversy on the different punishments that offenders receive due to their race or class, VIS should be the type of evidence presented in court that have the authority to enhance a jury's