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Victim Impact Testimony: What Does A Life Look Like?

Do see this moving video (via Law.com; story; see warning, below) presented during the sentencing phase in a death-penalty case.  It's a lot like the types of presentations plaintiffs lawyers in wrongful death cases present.  These always touch me, though I have seen many.The California Supreme Court held that these types of videos are admissible in the sentencing phase of a death penalty case. It's a chilling video that shows what the loss of a life really looks like.  Some contend that these videos invoke too much sympathy, and thus when presented a jury, prejudice jurors against the defendant. Whatever your view on the legal issues, the video ties in wonderfully to themes we've been exploring.  Saying, "Someone died" is a very abstract statement...continue to full post

Full post as published by Crime & Federalism on November 11, 2008 (boomark / email).