[Tervuren]

Lets take an example of Arson.
The victim impact would surely be a factor in a court determining sentence would it not?

Victim impact can determine different criminal offenses based on the level of impact.

Also, if not recorded in the court records, what if a future governor decides to make a lot of pardons?

A good judge is often going to want this to be brought to light in the records of the court. It also can give him solid reasons to determine sentencing, either lighter or harsher.