Victim Allocution
Definition
A victim's right to address the court directly, usually at sentencing, distinct from testifying as a witness to the facts of the offence.
Related terms
- In-Camera Testimony
- Evidence heard with the public and press excluded from the courtroom, used to protect a witness's identity or reduce distress.
- Secondary Victimisation
- Additional harm caused to a victim through the process of reporting and investigation, such as disbelief, insensitive questioning, or retraumatisation. Fear of...
- Victim Impact Statement
- A written or oral account submitted by a victim (or victim's family) describing the physical, psychological, financial, and social effects of the...
- Vulnerable Witness
- A witness whose age, disability, or the nature of the offence (such as a sexual assault complainant) qualifies them for special measures...
- Witness Protection Programme
- A state administered scheme that assesses threat to a witness and provides measures ranging from police escort to relocation and identity change.