According to the National Center for Victims of Crime (2012), a victim impact statement, now allowed in all 50 states, provides victims with a way to explain how a crime has impacted their lives. This information can then be used by a judge “to help determine an offender’s sentence” or by a parole board to determine parole. In this Discussion, you will locate and analyze a victim impact statement.

To prepare:

• Search the Internet and locate a victim impact statement (video or written).
• Reflect on the background and relevant facts of the case for which the statement was prepared.

By Day 5 of Week 9

In a minimum of 300 words, briefly describe the background of the case, including:

• Criminals involved
• Victims involved
• Crime committed
• Apparent impacts
• Other relevant information to provide context