Marsy’s Law: Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008 is a measure that adds the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights to the California constitution and gives victims of crime many of the same basic rights currently afforded to accused and convicted criminals. A very simple and basic policy change, Marsy’s Law will provide far greater enforceable protections for victims throughout the criminal justice process. Moreover, these rights will give law enforcement the tools they need to ensure justice is served in every case.
In addition to giving victims constitutionally protected rights, Marsy’s Law also makes important changes to California’s parole system. Currently, all prisoners, no matter what their crime, are eligible for a parole hearing each and every year. For instance, “Helter Skelter” inmates Bruce Davis and Leslie Van Houghton, two followers of Charles Manson, both convicted of multiple brutal murders and sentenced to life in prison, have had 38 parole hearings in the past 30 years. This means the families of their victims have been forced to relive the pain of these murders and the uncertainty associated with the fact the killers might walk free 38 times. This also means California taxpayers have personally paid for the unnecessary and costly parole hearings of these life-sentenced murderers 38 times. Marsy’s Law changes this requirement by giving the Parole Board the flexibility to deny parole for convicted murderers for up to 5, 10 or 15 years. parole hearings in the past 30 years. Marsy’s Law changes this requirement by giving the Parole Board the flexibility to deny parole for convicted murderers for up to 5, 10 or 15 years.
By passing Marsy’s Law, California will have the most comprehensive victim’s rights laws in the nation. Victims have already suffered from being the victim of a crime and should not feel re-victimized by our criminal justice system. Marsy’s Law helps law enforcement and prosecutors by preventing victims from being mistreated by our court system and will give victims a voice in the process rather than being abandoned by it.
Get involved by signing up to volunteer or donate today and let California know that victims of crime deserve better!
Facebook Feed
