Through my experience as an attorney, it’s evident that the way a state treats its most vulnerable citizens speaks volume about its values. While our justice system in the Sunshine State endeavors to protect the rights of all citizens, there is an opportunity to improve how crime victims are protected in the Florida Constitution.
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Like most Floridians, I believe that victims of crime and their families should be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor Marsy’s Law for Florida.
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee (Marsy) Nicholas, an accomplished University of California-Santa Barbara student, who was stalked and tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. One week after Marsy’s murder, her family walked into a grocery store and was approached by the accused murderer. They had no idea he had been released on bail.
Can you imagine being in this family’s shoes? Isn’t it reasonable to think that they should have had the right to know that their loved one’s accused murderer had been released on bail?
I think most citizens would agree that accused rapists and murderers should not have more rights and protections than victims of crime and their families. Thankfully, there is a proposed constitutional amendment currently pending approval before the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) to pass Marsy’s Law in Florida.
Marsy's Law is a national movement seeking to amend the 15 state constitutions, including Florida's, that do not offer equal protections to crime victims. Introduced as Proposal 96 by my fellow Commissioner Timothy Cerio, this proposed change would ensure that victims of crime and their families would be afforded equal constitutional protections as those afforded to convicted criminals and the accused.
As a former state Assistant Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney, I recognize the need to protect all parties involved in a criminal case. The accused are entitled to their rights enumerated in the constitution and Marsy’s Law has no intention of changing or removing any of those protections.
However, victims do not currently have specific rights outlined in the Florida Constitution. In fact, Florida’s constitution lists more than twice as many rights for criminals than victims – nine lines versus four.
We can do better.
If passed by the CRC, Marsy’s Law would be placed on Florida’s November ballot for voter consideration. If approved by 60 percent of Florida voters, the Florida Constitution will be amended to include a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights – basic rights every victim deserves.
DARLENE JORDAN, PALM BEACH
Editor’s note: Jordan, executive director of the Gerald R. Jordan Foundation, is chair of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission’ Executive Committee.
Marsy’s Law is a national movement seeking to amend the 15 state constitutions, including Florida’s, that do not offer equal protections to crime victims.
