Citation

Boppre B, Miller MK. Vict. Offender 2014; 9(4): 413-435.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2013.845124

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the effects of Victim Impact Statements (VISs) and Execution Impact Statements (EISs) on death-qualified mock jurors through a 2 (VIS/no VIS) by 2 (EIS/no EIS) between-subjects design in which participants read a capital murder trial and completed an online survey. The VIS and EIS had no effect on verdicts, but the VIS increased participants' negative emotions as well as perceptions of the victim and those who gave impact statements. Conversely, the EIS increased positive emotions and perceived remorsefulness of the defendant. Lastly, the VIS and EIS interacted to influence perceptions of the victim. Implications for victims and the legal system are discussed.

Language: en