, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the author of this document will not responsibility for any plagiarizing you
commit.
Read the extract below and answer the question
To: Judge Tuli
The actions of Mr. Doe have greatly affected the victim’s life. Since he committed this crime, she has
been unable to sleep at night. She is constantly afraid that someone will break into her home and injure
her again. She is no longer able to trust people like she did before. Her children are also afraid. They
do not want to go out in the yard to play because they fear that Mr. Doe or someone will try to hurt
them. The used to play with other children in the neighbourhood, but now will not even go to the bus
stop without their mother. Mr. Doe's crime has also had a deep financial impact on the victim’s family.
As they do not have insurance, they have been unable to replace the items broken when he broke into
their home. Although Crime Victims Compensation has been covering our medical bills, the healing
process is taking a long time. She had to miss six weeks of work, using all of her sick and vacation
leave. Prior to this incident, she had rarely missed a day at work. People should not be able to commit
crimes like this and get away with it. The emotional and financial impact will be felt for years to come.
Identify the document that will contain information such as is provided above and provide a
critical discussion thereof.
Answer 1
1. Introduction
The criminal justice system is designed not only to punish offenders but also to acknowledge and
address the impact of crime on victims. One crucial mechanism for achieving this is the Victim
Impact Statement (VIS). This document serves as a powerful tool, enabling victims to convey to the
court the physical, emotional, and financial consequences they have suffered as a result of the crime.
The extract provided is a classic example of a Victim Impact Statement, offering a deeply personal
account of the ramifications of the offender’s actions on the victim and her family. This discussion
will critically evaluate the role of Victim Impact Statements in the judicial process, considering their
purpose, potential impact on sentencing, and the broader implications for justice.
2. Identification and Definition of Key Concepts
2.1. Victim Impact Statement
Definition 1: The National Center for Victims of Crime defines a Victim Impact Statement as
a written or oral statement presented to the court during the sentencing phase of a criminal trial.
This statement allows the victim or the victim's representatives to express how the crime has
affected their life, including emotional, physical, and financial consequences.
Definition 2: According to Ashworth and Redmayne (2010), a Victim Impact Statement is a
personal account provided by the victim or their family, detailing the emotional and
psychological impact of the crime, often used to inform the court's decision on sentencing.
