Send a free fax from the
ACLU website to your Senators, in opposition to the proposed “Victims’ Rights Amendment” to the Constitution.
This week’s Senate vote is expected to be
close as proponents have already lined up more than 40 co-sponsors. More than 20 senators still have not
indicated how they will vote on the proposed amendment.
Why on earth oppose victims’ rights?? In my opinion, as that of the ACLU, although victims should be heard and protected in
the criminal justice system, this proposed amendment would jeopardize the
principle of innocent until proven guilty and the right to a fair trail.
Amending the Constitution to allow victims to voice their opinions at every
step of a prosecution could undermine the foundation of our justice system
and the ability of the courts to operate in an impartial and fair manner.
In addition to Wendy Kaminer and other leading columnists, the amendment
has drawn the opposition of domestic violence groups and other victims
advocates, hundreds of law school professors, editorial boards from across
the country and more than 8,000 civil liberties activists.
