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Advocates seek federal victims’ rights amendment

A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution would give victims the right to speak at any plea or sentencing hearing, to be given reasonable notice of the release or escape of the person who harmed them and to restitution.... Read more»

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Bret Linden
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Apr 24, 2012, 8:35 am
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While I am not a fan of changing or amending the Constitution, in this case I make an exception. I see absolutely no problem with the proposed amendment that’s outlined in this story.

“We have a criminal justice system that over time has become concerned with criminal defendants’ rights but has lost sight of victims’ rights,” Montgomery said.

Truer words have never been spoken. This is no more true than it is in the case of the Loughner foot-dragging circus.

I would like to see it taken a couple steps further, prohibiting changes of venue and giving the victims and the communities a right to a speedy trial, also. Again, using Loughner as an example…this has been anything but speedy, and asking the victims and their families to wait indefinitely is inexcusable and a gross miscarriage of justice.

While I’m on a roll, how about a more expeditious carrying-out of death penalty sentences? Vicki Lynn Hoskinson’s family has been waiting for justice for over two decades now, with no end in sight. How much longer are they going to be forced to wait?

Anyway, perhaps I’m dreaming too big now. The proposed amendment outlined in this story would be a great place to start, and perhaps can eventually lead to bigger and better things.

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Brittany Smth/Cronkite News Service

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery supports efforts to create a U.S. constitutional amendment with rights for crime victims.

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news, politics & government, crime, family/life, breaking, Cronkite News Service

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bill montgomery, crime victims, department of justice, federal victims’ rights amendment, trent franks, u.s. constitution, victim's bill of rights

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