Answer:
The correct answer is b. A victim impact statement.
Step-by-step explanation:
A victim impact statement is a statement made by the victim or their representative during the sentencing phase of a criminal trial. It provides the victim with an opportunity to express the emotional, physical, and financial impact of the crime on their life. This information can be relevant to the judge in determining the severity of the sentence, as it allows the judge to consider the harm caused to the victim and the community as a result of the crime.
While the other options, including a. opening statements, c. witness testimony, and d. final arguments, can provide valuable information to the judge during a trial, they may not necessarily be directly related to determining the severity of a sentence. The victim impact statement, on the other hand, is specifically designed to inform the judge about the impact of the crime on the victim, which can be a factor in determining the appropriate sentence for the offender.