NCJ Number
117807
Date Published
Unknown
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from an assessment of the extent and nature of the use of the victim impact statement in Texas.
Abstract
The assessment used data on victim impact statements distributed by prosecutors during 1988, data from a survey of selected metropolitan district attorneys' offices, and data from a survey of the presiding judges of the nine administrative judicial regions. Interviews were also conducted with representatives of appropriate agencies and organizations involved in the post-sentencing use of victim impact statements. Awareness of the victim impact statement has increased over the past 2 years, as evidenced by the significant increases in the number of statements distributed, returned, and forwarded by the courts to appropriate agencies. Although the statement is being provided to violent-crime victims by most prosecutors' offices, very little followup is being done on statements not returned. More victim impact statements are being routed through the criminal justice system, but the statements are not being adequately considered by decisionmakers. Few judges consider the statement in their sentencing decisions, and a relatively low percentage of statements reach the Board of Pardons and Paroles for consideration in parole decisions. Prison overcrowding limits the discretion available to parole officials who do review victim impact statements. This report recommends changes for prosecutors' offices, the courts, and postsentencing procedures. Appended supplementary information and a sample victim impact statement.