A ballot initiative proposed for the state elections this November seeks to incorporate victim's rights into the state constitution. Some of the proposed rights include notice of all public proceedings involving the offense and to be heard in any public proceeding involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition or parole. In addition, the victim may refuse some discovery requests made by the accused and have full and timely restitution g from the offender. Finally, the proposed amendment explicitly provides that the victims can these claim these rights in court and, if denied, file an appeal. But are these rights justified? Do victims of crimes have rights from the criminal justice system -- or are these right only available in a civil suit? Do any theories of punishment allow such rights -- or do some imply they are untenable? Are any of these rights justified -- or any unjustified? Should this state amendment be passed -- or rejected?
No comments:
Post a Comment