1. What term refers to problems that follow from the initial victimization, such as the loss of employment or inability to pay medical bills?
2. Where did victim-impact statements originate? Why were victim-impact statements granted?
3. Locate a case that involves mitigating factors. Cite the case and explain why the case had mitigating factors.
4. Explain three-strikes legislation and include an example case summary. Include a reference for the case.
5. How many U.S. states currently use capital punishment? What forms of capital punishment are used?
6. What is the relationship between the Eighth Amendment and capital punishment?
The first such statement in the United States was presented in 1976 because of the Charles Manson murders, but was mandated in federal courts by the 1982 Victim and Witness Protection Act. The purpose of the victim impact statement is to allow the person most directly affected by the crime to address the court during the decision making process
