What is the proper victim impact argument in a murder trial?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Kopatz, 186 Cal.Rptr.3d 797, 347 P.3d 952, 61 Cal.4th 62 (Cal. 2015):

Here, the family members' testimony properly explained the nature of their relationship with the victims, the immediate effects of the murders, and the residual and continuing impact of the murder on their lives. (People v. Chism, supra, 58 Cal.4th at pp. 13261327, 171 Cal.Rptr.3d 347, 324 P.3d 183 ; cf. People v. Stanley (1995) 10 Cal.4th 764, 831832, 42 Cal.Rptr.2d 543, 897 P.2d 481 [prosecutor's victim impact argument proper where defendant murdered wife].) Moreover, the number of witnesses was not

[347 P.3d 973]

excessive. (See

[186 Cal.Rptr.3d 822]

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