Illinois lawmakers are optimistic they will be successful in moving forward to having a constitutional amendment placed on the fall ballot aimed at protecting the rights of victims of crimes and their families. This Constitutional amendment would contain specific rights for victims and their families that will require law enforcement officials to notify them of their legal rights, similar to a suspect who has their Miranda Rights read to them. Under the new amendment, victims will be notified of proceedings that occur after the trial and they will be able to speak at those proceedings. Additionally, victims will notified in the event the defendant is released early or put on parole and will have access to documents related to their specific case.

The resolution was reportedly based on a California statute passed in 2008, known as Marsy’s Law. Marsalee Nichols was a college student who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Nichols mother was grocery shopping a week after her death and was confronted by the former boyfriend, whom she did not know had been released on bail. The resolution needs a 3/5 vote in the House and Senate before it can be put on the ballot.

 

I'm guessing spam bot, but I will give Missouri credit they have a pretty good system in place. I wish I didn't have to know. I'm also hoping the case gets over this year sometime.