Stalking victims get right to give impact statement

VICTIMS of physical violence and “emotional distress” — such as harassment and stalking — are legally entitled to give a victim impact statement in court.

Legislation signed into law yesterday by the President has significantly extended the right to a much wider range of victims, beyond just murder and rape cases.

The Criminal Procedure Act 2010 also marks a legal milestone by overturning — in limited circumstances — the rule of double jeopardy, which prohibited someone being tried for a second time for the same offence.