1. Many different punishments can be given to a person that has been convicted of a single crime including: incarceration; fine; forfeiture; and counseling. Two other punishments that exist in Georgia law are restitution and a distribution of profits both of which are in Chapter 14, Title 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Restitution which is paying money or property or some form of service to a victim is commonly used. The distribution of profits is a punishment that is not well known and occurs when a person convicted of a crime makes a money by actions such as selling the rights to their story so a movie is made or a book is written about the crime. The money is held by the state for a certain length of time during which victims can enter a claim for some of the money.

Find at least one scholarly or professional article concerning restitution as a punishment. Provide a summary of the article(s) AND your analysis of the information in the article(s). ALSO, state and support your position as to whether restitution and distribution of profits amount to excessive punishment when combined with incarceration.

2. Two outcomes of the victim's movement has been the creation of victim's rights and a program of state administered compensation for the victims of violent crimes. The money for such programs is taken from the general budgets of the jurisdictions and from add-on fines that paid by those convicted of crimes such as driving under the influence. Victims must meet certain reporting and eligibility requirements in order to receive the compensation. Victims such as inmates or those who begin an encounter and are victimized are not usually eligible for the benefits. Section 8 of Chapter 15, Title 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the State of Georgia establishes a once in a lifetime compensation limit of $25,000.

Find at least one scholarly or professional article concerning victim compensation programs. Provide a summary of the article(s) AND your analysis of the information in the article(s).

3. Some jurisdictions extend the right of victims to make statements long after the offender has been convicted. Victims in some jurisdictions must be given the opportunity to be notified if an offender is being considered for early release. They must also be given the opportunity to object to the release by either submitting a written statement or by speaking to the decision making body. One point that must be considered is how many years (maybe decades) should a victim of a crime be allowed to provide input into the punishment of an offender.

Find at least one scholarly or professional article concerning victim impact statements. Provide a summary of the article(s) AND your analysis of the information in the article(s).