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The Effect Of Victim Impact Statements On Sentencing Decisions, Sam Garkawe

Associate Professor Sam Garkawe

Part I: Introduction Since the 1970s Victim Impact Statements (‘VIS’) have been used increasingly in many common law jurisdictions. A VIS is generally a written report submitted to the sentencing authority following a guilty verdict or plea, and prior to the sentencing decision. They may vary in content and form, but are meant to include details of the physical, financial, social and psychological effects on the victim of the crime that is the subject of the sentencing hearing. Victims may prepare the VIS themselves, or they may rely on the help of relatives, friends or victim support staff. Police, prosecutors …