Quote:
Originally Posted by bigtmac19
I don't think I've ever heard of a defense lawyer objecting to a Victim Impact Statement. I did not know that was allowed. Learned something new today. I agree it's very disappointing that they were censored. I'm guessing they have some sort of guideline to follow when writing them?
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It is not completely uncommon for victim impact statements to cross lines. And a respectful application to edit them is exactly how you proceed. The same thing happens sometimes in court-ordered pre-sentence reports. It is completely understandable for a victim to lash out at the convicted person (especially in a homicide) or attack the system or even say things that themselves would be criminal. But there is a very good reason not to allow that type of stuff to become formally part of a sentencing proceeding.
In fact, in at least half of the times I have dealt with it, the prosecutor or the court was the one suggesting the edits.