Victim Impact Statements Video: Listen and Learn 
You will watch victim impact statements that were created to help educate people on the impact of various 
crimes. Warning: It is hard to watch at times and may cause you to feel upset, sad, angry, or more. 
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First, watch the youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ghpl4vDZ3s 
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Second, write a 500-word response about the benefits of victim-impact statements, the impact the 
film had on you, and any other general thoughts you had while watching. 
Victim Rights 
Today, all states and the federal government have passed laws to establish a set of victims’ rights. The main 
goal of these laws is to provide victims with certain information and protections. It is important to note that 
victims’ rights, just like criminal offenses, will depend on the jurisdiction where the crime is investigated and 
prosecuted. The rights may vary state, federal or tribal government, or military installation. 
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Overview of Victim’s Rights 
Below is a list of basic victims’ rights from the National Center for Victims of Crime that are provided by 
law in most jurisdictions. Again, it is important to remember these rights vary, depending on federal, state, 
or tribal law. 
1. 
Right to be Treated with Dignity, Respect, and Sensitivity 
1. 
Victims generally have the right to be treated with courtesy, fairness, and care by 
law enforcement and other officials throughout the entire criminal justice process. 
This right is included in the constitutions of most states that have victims’ rights 
amendments and in the statutes of more than half the states.2 Victim impact 
statements allow crime victims, during the decision-making process on sentencing 
or parole, to describe to the court or parole board the impact of the crime on 
their lives. The victim impact statement may include a description of psychological, 
financial, physical, or emotional harm the victim experienced as a result of the crime. 
A judge may use information from these statements to help determine an offender’s 
sentence; a parole board may use such information to help decide whether to grant 
parole and what conditions to impose in releasing an offender. Many victims have 
reported that making victim impact statements improved their satisfaction with the 
criminal justice process and helped them recover from the crime. In some states, the 
4. The National Center for Victims of Crime. (2012). Victim's rights. http://victimsofcrime.org/help-for-crime-victims/get-help-bulletins-
for-crime-victims/victims%27-rights 
Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
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