NCJ Number
147953
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (1994) Pages: 1-12
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper results on the results of a field test that examined the effects of victim impact statements on victim perceptions of involvement and satisfaction with the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Data came from crime victims in the Bronx Supreme Court, Bronx, N.Y. between July 1988 and April 1989 and involved 293 victims of robbery, nonsexual felonious assault, and burglary. At intake, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) victims were interviewed and victim impact statements were written and distributed to court officials, (2) victims were interviewed but no statements were written, and (3) victims were not interviewed. Followup interviews reached 202 of the victims 1 month after case intake and 157 victims after their cases were disposed. Results indicated that victim impact statements had no effects on any of a multitude of measures of victim perceptions. Findings indicated that although victim impact statements are a relatively low-cost and noncontroversial way to involve victims, they might do little to promote satisfaction with the criminal justice system. Tables, note, and 30 references (Author abstract modified)