[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE FOR HOMICIDE VICTIMS

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Justice for 
Homicide Victims. The Board of Directors of the California Center for 
Family Survivors of Homicide, which includes its action arm, Justice 
for Homicide Victims has been a constant advocate for victims rights.
  Today, we honor those who make it possible to help create a working 
environment with legislators so victims and their survivors may attain 
equal rights. Marcella Leach, Executive Director of JHV, is one of the 
many dedicated individuals who help to make the public and legislators 
alike aware of the need for victims rights.
  Justice for Homicide Victims was founded in 1984 by Ellen Griffin 
Dunne. The first goal of JHV was to establish a public perception that 
those who commit serious or malicious crimes should be punished 
accordingly.
  JHV has been working tirelessly to effect legislative change. As a 
result, JHV helped implement a newly passed Victims Bill of Rights. In 
addition to support services through their hotline and at murder 
trials, JHV cooperates with the District Attorney's office on a regular 
basis which results in positive relationship and spreads JHV's goals 
and objectives.
  JHV has worked for many years to educate and inform legislators on 
many aspects of the law. This year, JHV was honored to be the most 
organization for the Governor's Crime Summit and their efforts helped 
in the passage of legislation that was previously thought to be 
unattainable.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in celebrating 
the success of the California Center for Family Survivors of Homicide 
and Justice for Homicide Victims.

                          ____________________