Mississippi § 99-19-159 - Victim impact statement to be made available to defense and to prosecution; statement as factor in sentencing; cooperation of victim not mandatory.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-19-159 — Victim impact statement to be made available to defense and to prosecution; statement as factor in sentencing; cooperation of victim not mandatory., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 99-19-159. Victim impact statement to be made available to defense and to prosecution; statement as factor in sentencing; cooperation of victim not mandatory.
At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of sentencing, the court shall make available copies of the statement to the defendant, defendant’s counsel and the prosecuting attorney. These parties shall return all copies of the statement to the court immediately following the imposition of sentence upon the defendant. Any victim impact statement submitted to the court under Section 99-19-157 shall be among the factors considered by the court in determining the sentence to be imposed upon the defendant. Sections 99-19-151 through 99-19-161 shall not be construed to require a victim or victim representative to submit a victim impact statement or to cooperate in the preparation of a victim impact statement.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 99-19-159
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-19-159 cover?
Section 99-19-159 ("Victim impact statement to be made available to defense and to prosecution; statement as factor in sentencing; cooperation of victim not mandatory.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 99-19-159?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-19-159" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 99-19-159 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.