Final answer:
The document that allows a crime's target or survivor to explain to the court how the crime impacted them is known as a Victim Impact Statement. It is crucial for sentencing purposes and differs from a dying declaration, which relates to a person's imminent death. The protection against self-incrimination is also a significant legal right, upheld by the Miranda v. Arizona case.
Step-by-step explanation:
The document a target or survivor of a crime can provide to the court that explains how the crime affected them is known as a Victim Impact Statement. This written account is used during the sentencing phase of a trial to help the judge understand the emotional, physical, and financial effects the crime has had on the victim and their family.
Unlike a dying declaration, which is a statement made by a person who believes they are about to die, addressing the circumstances of their impending death, a Victim Impact Statement is a testament to the ongoing impacts of a crime. It can play a critical role in the sentencing decisions of the court.
Miranda rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, are also key legal protections for the accused, ensuring that statements made during police interrogations are voluntary and not coerced. The landmark Miranda v. Arizona case emphasized how important it is for suspects to be informed of their rights prior to questioning, to protect against self-incrimination.