This is the end of Victims Rights Week. Across the United States there were celebrations because we have come so far in recognizing and fighting for the rights of victims in America.
I have been a fighter in this cause for many many years. I must admit that we have certainly come a long way. Victims do have many more rights than they have ever had before. In most states victims have the right to make an Impact Statement to the Court. This is done right before sentencing. The victim has had to sit quietly in the courtroom (if they cried or made any kind of outburst they would be asked to leave). Now, just before the judge pronounces sentencing on the defendant -- the victim has a right to tell the court just exactly how this crime has impacted their lives. I have argued with many a lawyer over the years who did not think that this belonged in the courtroom. I disagree completely. If fairness or justice has any place in the courtroom at all, there can be none without the balance of the victim's plight.
I sat with many victims during trials where the defense out and out lied. It was all they could do to sit through the lies. Then, not to be able to say anything at all -- and just hope that the jury saw through the smoke was sometimes more than any victim could bear.
I try and look at the positive outcome of the Victim Movement in this country. I am saddened, however, that most people did not even know that it was Victims Rights Week. There should be a lot more advertising about Victims' Rights. And, it really should not take this long for victims to be heard. Yes, we have come a long way baby -- but we have so far to go !
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