Because they are EXPERTS on the need for change and finding common ground.

No, they're not. An EXPERT is someone who can offer evidence and weigh in when needed to drive to the right answer. A victim by definition is emotionally compromised.

Unless someone thinks this is political, it isn't. I have a problem with crime victims or families making emotional appeals to juries prior to the sentencing phase. It doesn't add anything factual to the case and so doesn't move justice forward.

Same thing here.