[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5886-S5887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               VICTIMS' RIGHTS CLARIFICATION ACT OF 1997

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague Senator 
Nickles for introducing the Victims' Rights Clarification Act of 1997. 
I believe this important legislation will help victims of crime 
exercise their deserved rights.
  The 104th Congress did much to ensure that victims are no longer 
casualties of a skewed justice system where their voices are often 
ignored. This year, we are picking up where we left off in standing up 
for the innocent. I am proud to join several of my colleagues in 
cosponsoring this legislation.
  The purpose of the Victims' Rights Clarification Act of 1997 is 
really quite simple. This act will guarantee that victims of crime may 
be present at public court proceedings, barring their presence will not 
be a detriment to his or her testimony. Frankly, I am disheartened it 
takes an act of Congress to reaffirm this right. But, I am pleased we 
are making progress in correcting these deficiencies in America's legal 
system.
  The devastation of lives in the Oklahoma City bombing and the 
senseless acts of violence occurring in our neighborhoods every day 
gives this Chamber

[[Page S5887]]

cause to enact policies empowering victims. In my estimation, the 
accused should see their victim's face in a court of law and know they 
scarred a life forever. I believe this legislation drafted on a 
bipartisan basis will entitle victims of crime their overdue rights and 
merits widespread support.

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