Canadian victim impact statements : an exploratory study analyzing stakeholder perspectives, form readability, usability, and accessibility

Abstract

The most recent Victim Bill of Rights (2015) requires judges to accept and consider VISs during sentencing decisions; however, no regulations exist regarding how these statements should affect sentencing. Moreover, the lack of research on the impact of VISs creates a gap in understanding whether they have an actual effect on sentencing decisions. <br> The three separate studies examine VISs from multiple perspectives and angles. These studies found that stakeholders have differing opinions about VISs. Moreover, an analysis of the various VIS forms indicates that they differ according to readability, usability, and inclusivity. <br> Overall, the results of the three studies add to the limited research surrounding Canadian VISs. The findings also highlighted the uncertainty regarding VIS’s role and the form procedures.