The Dangers of a Punitive Approach to Victim Participation in Sentencing: Victim Impact Statements

The Dangers of a Punitive Approach to Victim Participation in Sentencing: Victim Impact Statements after the Victims Bill of Rights Act by ELIZABETH JANZEN considers "the Canadian regime governing the participation of victims in sentencing through the use of victim impact statements, with a focus on the regime following the 2015 amendments implemented through the Victims Bill of Rights Act." Janzen argues "that an approach to victim impact statements that focuses on their expressive and communicative uses best aligns with both Canadian sentencing principles and respect for victims."

The author concludes by noting: