This state’s constitutional amendment, adopted in 2008, guarantees specific rights and protections to individuals harmed by criminal activity. These include the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity; to be informed of and present at court proceedings; to be heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process; to restitution from the offender; and to protection from the accused. For example, a victim has the right to submit a victim impact statement to the court before sentencing.
The amendment aimed to elevate the status of victims within the criminal justice system, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs considered. It recognizes the profound impact crime can have on individuals and communities. By providing these fundamental rights, the amendment strives to empower victims, promote healing, and facilitate their participation in the pursuit of justice. Historically, the focus of the criminal justice system often centered on the accused and the state. This constitutional change reflects a shift towards recognizing and addressing the needs of those harmed by crime.
