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Simple English definitions for legal terms
victim allocution
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A quick definition of victim allocution:
Victim Allocution: When someone is found guilty of a crime, the judge will ask them to speak about why they should get a lighter punishment. This is called allocution. But sometimes, the victim of the crime can also speak to the judge before the punishment is decided. They can ask for a harsher punishment for the person who hurt them. This is called victim allocution.
A more thorough explanation:
Victim allocution is a term used in criminal procedure. It refers to the address made by a crime victim to the court before sentencing. The victim can use this opportunity to urge the court to impose a harsher punishment on the offender.
For example, if a person is convicted of assault and battery, the victim of the crime may make a statement to the court during the sentencing phase. The victim may describe the impact the crime has had on their life and ask the court to impose a harsher sentence on the offender.
Victim allocution is different from allocution, which is a formal address made by a convicted defendant to the court. During allocution, the defendant can ask for mercy, explain their conduct, apologize for the crime, or say anything else in an effort to lessen the impending sentence.
Overall, victim allocution is an important part of the criminal justice system that allows victims to have a voice in the sentencing process and express the impact of the crime on their lives.