Victims' Rights Amendment

Victims' Rights Amendment is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that seeks to provide certain protected rights to victims of crimes. The amendment has been a subject of debate among legal scholars, victims' rights advocates, and civil liberties organizations.

History

The Victims' Rights Amendment was first proposed in the United States Congress in 1996. The amendment has been reintroduced in every Congress since then, but has not yet been ratified. The amendment is supported by a number of victims' rights organizations, including the National Organization for Victim Assistance and the National Center for Victims of Crime.

Provisions

The Victims' Rights Amendment would provide several specific rights to victims of crimes. These include the right to be informed of court proceedings, the right to be present at all public court proceedings, and the right to be heard at any proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, or parole. The amendment would also provide victims with the right to a speedy trial and the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.

Criticisms

Critics of the Victims' Rights Amendment argue that it could infringe on the rights of the accused. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), for example, has expressed concern that the amendment could undermine the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. Critics also argue that the amendment is unnecessary, as many states already have laws in place to protect victims' rights.

Current Status

As of 2021, the Victims' Rights Amendment has not been ratified. It must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states to become part of the Constitution.

See Also

• Marsy's Law
• Victimology
• Victim's rights