Which right is NOT afforded to crime victims?

The right to petition for harsher punishment when not satisfied with the sentence is not typically afforded to crime victims within the legal framework. While crime victims have a number of rights aimed at ensuring their participation in the criminal justice process and protecting their interests, the ability to seek a harsher sentence goes beyond the usual rights granted.

Victims can communicate with the prosecution, be treated with fairness and respect, and receive notifications about court proceedings, which are integral to ensuring that they feel supported throughout the judicial process. However, seeking a harsher punishment involves judicial discretion and is generally not a right granted to victims. Instead, they might have the opportunity to provide impact statements during sentencing, which can influence the judge's decision, but they cannot unilaterally petition for increased sentences. This distinction is crucial in understanding the balance of rights between victims and defendants in the legal system.