Which entity typically evaluates victim impact statements?

Victim impact statements play a crucial role in the criminal justice process, particularly during sentencing. These statements provide the court with insight into how a crime has affected the victim and their family, allowing the judge to consider the emotional, psychological, and financial toll on the victims when determining an appropriate sentence.

The sentencing judge is responsible for assessing all factors related to the crime and its impact on victims, including these statements. By evaluating the victim impact statements, the judge can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of the defendant’s actions beyond the mere facts of the case and applicable laws. This information can significantly influence the sentence, helping to ensure that it reflects the severity of the offense and the harm caused to the victims.

In contrast, while the parole board may consider victim impact when making decisions about parole suitability, they do not evaluate these statements during sentencing. Similarly, the defendant's legal team may address the case from the perspective of the defendant, and the probation department typically engages with individuals after sentencing, focusing on rehabilitation rather than the assessment of victim impact at the court level. Therefore, the role of the judge in this context is pivotal, making them the correct entity that evaluates victim impact statements.