The rationale used for victim impact statements in Payne v. Tennessee was ______.
A) "just as the murderer should be considered as an individual, so too the victim is an individual whose death represents a unique loss to society and in particular to his family"
B) "murderers are heinous individuals who need to be reminded of the horrible acts they have committed"
C) "due process requires all parties be heard"
D) "victims' aid in the determination of the sentence and they must justify the imposition of said sentence"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court in Payne v. Tennessee reasoned that victim impact statements are permissible because they serve to remind the court that the victim, like the defendant, is an individual whose death represents a unique loss to society and particularly to their family. This perspective emphasizes the individuality and humanity of the victim in the sentencing phase of a capital trial.

The Rationale Used for Victim Impact Statements in Payne V