[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS AMENDMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be here today during 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week with this outstanding coalition to 
support what I consider to be one of the most important legislative 
efforts in the 108th Congress--the Crime Victim's Rights Amendment to 
the United States Constitution.
  I'd like to start off by thanking the original cosponsors, some of 
whom are here. I'd also like to thank Senators Kyl and Feinstein for 
their leadership in the Senate and Attorney General Ashcroft for his 
continued support of this much needed amendment. And most importantly, 
I would like to thank the representatives of the victims groups who 
will speak shortly. Thank you all for coming today to show your support 
for the Victims Rights Amendment.
  Many of the people here today know all too well that violent 
criminals damage or destroy the lives of innocent victims. According to 
the Department of Justice, in the year 2001, there were almost 1.5 
million violent crimes committed in the United States. On any day, on 
any street corner, a mother, father, son or daughter can become the 
next victim of a rapist or murderer. For too many years these victims' 
voices have been silenced in a criminal justice system that recognizes 
only the rights of the accused. Thankfully, that is all beginning to 
change.
  Currently, 32 States, including my home state of Ohio, have passed 
victims rights amendments to their constitutions. We have also enacted 
Federal victims rights statutes. Unfortunately, these laws have not 
been consistently applied, and many victims still are not treated with 
dignity and respect.
  A constitutional amendment is absolutely needed to help facilitate a 
balance between the rights of victims and those of defendants. Only 
through an amendment to the Constitution can victims receive the 
justice they deserve.
  This amendment would empower crime victims by allowing them to 
confront their assailants in court and at sentence or parole hearings. 
It would protect victims by requiring that they be notified about the 
release or escape of the perpetrator from custody and by requiring that 
the victim's safety be considered in determining a release from 
custody. Finally, the amendment would restore victims by guaranteeing 
them the right to seek restitution from their attackers.
  These rights, like others guaranteed in our Constitution, would 
become fundamental, and citizens of every state would be protected.
  I want to stress that nothing--I repeat, nothing--in this amendment 
will undermine or weaken the long-established rights of defendants 
under our Constitution.
  For far too long, victims of crime in this country have had to stand 
on the courtroom steps with meaningful justice right beyond their 
reach. Not allowed to view proceedings in person. Not permitted to 
speak out on behalf of a murdered loved one. Not even notified when a 
violent abuser is turned loose.
  Crime victims deserve to be treated better. They deserve to be 
treated with dignity in our criminal justice system. In the last 
Congress, I introduced this amendment in the House. And working with 
Senators Kyl and Feinstein and Attorney General Ashcroft, I think we 
made great progress in raising awareness of this critical issue. This 
year, I believe we can do even better. With the strong support we have 
received from President Bush, I am hopeful that we can pass this 
amendment and fortify an important truth: that victims must have their 
own inalienable rights under our Constitution.

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