NCJ Number
154455
Date Published
1992
Length
135 pages
Annotation
This study describes the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) Program run by Crown counsel offices in British Columbia and assesses the direct and indirect effects of the program and provisions in the Criminal Code relating to the use of victim impact statements.
Abstract
Data were obtained through interviews with 42 crown counsel, 15 judges, 17 defense counsel, 4 police officers, 8 probation officers, 5 parole officers, and 16 victim assistance workers. The researchers also conducted telephone interviews with persons administering VIS programs in other Canadian provinces and territories. The results of the study show that VISs play a small role in terms of their overall application in criminal cases in British Columbia, being requested in approximately 2 to 6 percent of such cases. The major problems with VISs perceived by defense counsel and, to a lesser extent, by prosecutors, relate to vengeful or prejudicial statements made by the victim. Where a VIS was available, prosecutors filed the statement in slightly over 50 percent of convictions. The impact of the VIS program is discussed in terms of its effects on judges, crown counsel, defense counsel, probation and parole officers, victims, offenders, and the sentencing process. 17 tables and 5 appendixes