NVCAN
Recent News/Chronology

Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) has announced his support for Senat Joint Resolution 1, the Victims' Rights Amendment. Sen. Coleman said

"As a former prosecutor, I know firsthand the importance of protecting the rights of victims. In our nation, the presumption of innocent until proven guilty is strong and vibrant. Yet, within that system, too often the rights of victims are either forgotten, or glossed over. The legislative history of this amendment states, 'This amendment makes some basic pledges to Americans. Victims of violent crime deserve the right to be notified of public proceedings involving the crime.They deserve to be heard at public proceedings regarding the criminal's sentence or potential release. They deserve to have their safety considered. They deserve consideration of their claims of restitution. We must guarantee these rights for all the victims of violent crime in America.' I agree."

Februrary 11, 2003
Congressional Quarterly, "Feinstein, Kyl Ready to Renew Fight for Victims' Rights"
January 7, 2003
VRAs Reintroduced in 108th Congress
Senators Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein have reintroduced the Victims' Rights Amendment — Senate Joint Resolution 1 — in the 108th Congress. A similar measure, House Joint Resolution 10, was also introduced by Rep. Ed Royce.
October 2002
IACP Supports VRA
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has formally endorsed Senate Joint Resolution 25, the federal Victims' Rights Amendment. The Association's Executive Committee approved the amendment at its October 8, 2002 meeting. In announcing its support, IACP President Joseph Samuels stated,

The IACP strongly supports the adoption of the Victims' Rights Amendment. The time has come to ensure that victims of crime are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

All too often we have seen that the rights of victims or their survivors are held subordinate to those of defendants in criminal proceedings. This amendment establishes a better balance of those rights and ensures that victims have a right to be heard and a right to be notified of judicial developments related to their case.

Before endorsing the proposed constitutional amendment, the executive committee carefully considered the proposed amendment and its potential impact on law enforcement and the criminal justice system. "It is our belief that the proposed amendment has been carefully crafted in order to protect the rights of victims without impeding the rights of the accused or hindering the ability of law enforcement or prosecutors to effectively apprehend or convict criminals," added Samuels.
July 2002
California Prosecutors Endorse VRA

The California District Attorneys Association has announced its support to amend the U.S. Constitution to recognize fundamental rights for victims of violent crime. In a July 11, 2002 letter to Senators Feinstein and Kyl, Lawrence Brown, Executive Director of the California District Attorneys Association said,

Senate Joint Resolution 35 and House Joint Resolution 91 protects the rights of victims without impeding the rights of the accused. While balancing meaningful and enforceable rights of a victim with those of the accused, the Amendment preserves the prosecutor's executive function in the administration of justice.

We are pleased to join the many organizations and individuals who ave pledged support for this very important and monumental legislation.

A copy of the Association's letter in pdf format can be seen here.

July 17, 2002
Senate Hearings on S.J. Res. 35

The Senate Judiciary's Constitution subcomittee's hearing on the proposed federal Victims Rights Amendment featured Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) Director John Gillis. Mr. Gillis, who is a survivor of a homicide victim and former police officer, presented the Bush Administration's strong endorsement of S. J. Res. 35. He stated:

A federal constitutional amendment is the only legal measure strong enough to rectify the current imbalance and inconsistencies among crime victims’ rights laws and can establish a uniform national floor for crime victims’ rights. A federal amendment to the United States Constitution will be the vehicle by which compliance with crime victims’ rights laws can be enforced. The passage of a federal constitutional amendment will provide the means to make crime victims’ rights a reality.

The July 17, 2002 hearing also included testimony by NVCAP Co-Chair Roberta Roper and General Counsel Steve Twist.

May 2002
Rep. Steve Chabot conducts public hearing on VRA
On May 9, 2002, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) held a public hearing on H. J. Res. 91, the House version of the revised Victims Rights' Amendment. Rep. Chabot and 16 co-sponsors introduced this measure on May 2, 2002. Appearing at the hearing in support of the amendment was NVCAN Co-Chair Roberta Roper [read testimony], General Counsel Steve Twist and Board Member David Voth [read testimony]. Many victims of crime and advocate who support the amendment attended the proceedings.

NVCAN General Counsel Steve Twist, who was instrumental in drafted the current version of the amendment, provided lengthy written testimony, detailing the history of the VRA and an analysis of its provisions. His testimony is available here [HTML][PDF][Word].

A companion measure, S. J. Res. 35, was previously introduced in the Senate by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and 25 other co-sponsors.


Rep. Steve Chabot introduces H.J.Res 91
Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and 16 cosponsors introduced House Joint Resolution 91 which is the companion measure to S.J. Res. 35, to amend the U.S. Constitution to recognize the rights of victims of violent crime.

April 2002
President Bush Endorses Feinstein-Kyl Victims Rights Amendment
At a National Crime Victims Rights Week ceremony, President George Bush opn April 16, 2002 announced his support for the amendment for the adoption of the Feinstein-Kyl Victims Rights Amendment. According to the President, "Victims of violent crime have important rights that deserve protection in our Constitution. And so today, I announce my support for the bipartisan Crime Victims' Rights amendment to the Constitution of the United States. . . . The Feinstein-Kyl Amendment was written with care, and strikes a proper balance. Our legal system properly protects the rights of the accused in the Constitution. But it does not provide similar protection for the rights of victims, and that must change. . . . The protection of victims' rights is one of those rare instances when amending the Constitution is the right thing to do. And the Feinstein-Kyl Crime Victims' Rights Amendment is the right way to do it."


Revised Victims Rights Amendment introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Jon Kyl
 On April 15, 2002, Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) introduced a revised version of an amendment to recognize in the U.S. Constitution the rights of victims of violent crime. The newly worded amendment strikes a balance between the rights of those accused of crime and those who are victimized by crime. Harvard University Law Professor Laurence Tribe and NVCAN General Counsel Steve Twist participated in the drafting of the new version.

November 2001
Message from NVCAN Co-Chairpersons
The Board of Directors and members of NVCAN passionately believe in providing rights and services to all victims of crime. As a matter of principle and right, NVCAN continues to seek and support the broadest possible language for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. We remain committed to reaching consensus between our sponsors, the Administration and fellow advocates to achieve this goal.

(Bob Preston and Roberta Roper, Co-Chairpersons)

October 2001
Status Report
 Senators Kyl and Feinstein have continued to direct discussions with the Bush Administration in an attempt to reach consensus on a final introduction draft for the Crime Victims Rights Amendment. The adminstration team has been led by Assistant Attorney General Viet Dinh. NVCAN has been included throughout the discussions. The talks have been very productive. While the September 11th attacks have required attention to be re-focused for the time being, we fully expect that consensus will be reached in the very near future.
April 27, 2000
Senators Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein Withdraw S.J. Res.
NOVA article explains why sponsors deferred further action on VRA.
April 25, 2000
Senate Begins Consideration of S. J. Resolution 3
The United States Senate is scheduled to begin taking action on Senate Joint Resolution 3, the Kyl-Feinstein Victims' Rights Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. The first step will be a motion on cloture, a procedural step to limit the time spent on debate.
April 21, 2000
Attorneys General Strongly support S. J. Res. 3
Thirty-nine Attorneys General have publicly endorsed the adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 3 providing permanent recognition of victims rights in the U.S. Constitution.

In a letter addressed to S.J. Res. 3 sponsors Senators Kyl and Feinstein and sent to all U.S. Senators, these top law enforcement officials noted that despite the best intentions of our laws, crime victims are still denied basic rights to fair treatment and due process. They stated, "We are convinced that statutory protections are not enough; only a federal constitutional amendment will be sufficient to change the culture of our legal system."

April 7, 2000
Gov. Bush Supports VRA
Gov. BushIn a statement issued April 7, 2000, Texas Governor George W. Bush, the presumptive Republican Presidential nominee, stated, "I strongly support passage of the Victims' Rights Amendment. Two years ago, I joined my colleagues on the National Governor's Association in calling for a national Amendment, like the one we have in Texas and 30 other states. For too long, courts and lawyers have focused only on the rights of criminal defendants and not on the rights of innocent victims. We need to make sure that crime victims are not forgotten, that they are treated fairly and with respect in our criminal process."
February 10, 2000
House Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee holds public hearing on H.J. Res. 64
The House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on the Constitution held its public hearing on House Joint Resolution 64, introduced by Rep. Steve Chabot as the House version of the Victims' Rights Amendment. NVCAN Executive Board Member Steve Twist, NOVA Executive Director Marlene Young and other VRA supporters testified on behalf of victims' constitutional rights.
September 30, 1999
Senate Judiciary Committee Supports S.J. Res. 3
On September 30, 1999, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12 - 5 to recommend enactment of Senate Joint Resolution 3 which would create a Victims' Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
August 4, 1999
House VRA Introduced
On August 4, 1999, Ohio Representative Steven Chabot introduced a House version of a victims' rights constitutional amendment. House Joint Resolution 64 contains provision similar to S. J. Res. 3 now under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. One important distinction is that H. J. Res. 64 would cover victims of all felony crimes and "any other crime that involves violence."
July 12, 1999
Gore supports VRA
Vice-President Al Gore announced his support to amend the U.S. Constitution to recognize crime victims' rights. In a speech to law enforcement officers, Gore stated, " ... I will never be satisfied so long as one victim is forgotten. Too often, we bend over backward to protect the right of criminals, but pay no attention to those who are hurt the most. Victims should have a voice in trial and other proceedings. Their safety should be a factor in the sentencing and release of their attackers. They should be notified when an offender is released back into their community. And they should have a right to compensation from their attacker. That is why I will lead the fight to pass a Victims' Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution - so our justice system puts victims and their families first again."
May 26, 1999
Senate Subcomittee Supports S. J. Res. 3
On May 26, 1999, the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on the Constitution, Federalism and Property approved S.J.R. 3 for consideration by the full Committee. The subcommittee endorsed an amendment by Sen. John Ashcroft to extend victims' rights to notice and input in commutations and pardons.
March 24, 1999
Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Public Hearing on S. J. Res. 3
Victims and victim advocates expressed strong support for Senate Joint Resolution 3, a federal victims' rights amendment introduced by Sens. Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein.
January 19, 1999
Senators Re-introduce VRA in 106th Congress
Senators Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein submitted Senate Join Resolution 3 for consideration during the 106th Congress. S.J.Res. 3 is based upon the version of a federal victims' rights amendment recommended for adoption during the previous congressional session by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
November 3, 1998
Three States Adopt Constitutional Amendments
The voters of Mississippi, Montana and Tennessee ratified victims' rights amendment in their state constitutions. There are now a total of 32 states with constitutional protections of victims' rights. The margin of approval in Mississippi was 93%, in Montana 71% and in Tennessee 89%.
July 7, 1998
Senate Judiciary Hearing Passes VRA!
The Senate Judiciary voted 11-6 in support of Senate Joint Resolution 44. Supporters of constitutional rights for crime victims are now looking forward to a vote in the full Senate before the end of the current session.
April 1, 1998
Kyl-Feinstein Introduce New Amendment
Senators Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein, the major sponsors of a federal Victims' Rights Amendment, today introduced a new version of the amendment. Joining in support of the new version, Senate Joint Resolution 44, were 39 co-sponsors, including Sen. Joseph Biden, the former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Statutes are Not Enough!
A broad coalition of national crime victim organizations repeated their support for "the one piece of legislation that will truly guarantee all victims their basic rights: the victims' rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution."

NVCAN members, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the National Organization of Victim Assistance, the National Victim Center, Parents of Murdered Children and many others, are concerned that recently introduced legislation purporting to enhance victims' rights may actually erode progress implementing victim participation and input in court proceedings.

Noting that the bill (S. 1081) only affects victims of federal offenses, NVCAN Co-Chair Roberta Roper, said that "the scope of the bill is so narrow that it would not substanitally enhance the rights of millions of America's crime victims. And even if this bill were to provide substantive rights to the remaining few, those rights would be largely unenforceable."

The lead attorney representing crime victims in the Oklahoma City bombing case has described S. 1081 as a retreat from recent congressional action intended to protect victims' right to attend proceedings. "In several important respects, the proposed legislation is actually weaker than existing federal legislation," noted Utah University Law Professor Paul Cassell.
Additional problems with the bill include: "We are particularly disappointed at the lack of meaningful enforcement mechanisms afforded by the bill. I'm afraid, at best, this measure will amount to nothing more than just another unenfoceable statute, like hundreds of other victims' rights statutes before it, " David Beatty, Director of Public Policy for the National Victim Center. "That's precisely why so many crime victim organizations are putting all their efforts toward securing a crime victims' rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution."

Deputy Director of the National Organization for Victim Assistance John Stein added that, "Even statutes with much stronger language than what is being proposed are just not being enforced. And, while we appreciate and support the efforts of the drafters to include enhanced funding for victim-related programs, we feel sure that the provisions regarding victims' rights will prove inadequate."

"We will continue to welcome the opportunity to work with members of Congress to enhance rights and services for crime victim," Ms. Roper stated. "And we look forward to working with the sponsors of the Crime Victim Assistance Act to draft a measure we can all support."

"However, even as we try to craft a modest statute to improve rights for victims at the federal level, we urge Congress to support the one piece of legislation that will truly guarantee all victim their basic rights: the victims' rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution, she said."

Drycleaners recognize "Ironing Board Brigade" supporting VRA.
June 25, 1997
House Judiciary Hearing a Success!
Attorney General Janet Reno repeated both her personal and President Clinton's strong support for a constitutional amendment protecting the rights of crime victims. "When confronted with the need to reconcile the constitutional rights of a defendant with the statutory rights of a victim, many courts often find it easiest simply to ignore the legitimate interests of the victim," Reno said.

Reno testified with other supporters at the June 25 hearing before the full House Judiciary Committee on House Joint Resolution 71, Rep. Henry Hyde's proposed victims' rights amendment, and H.R. 1322, legislation which would spell out specific provisions implementing the proposed amendment.

The Senate Judiciary Committe held hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 6 on April 16, 1997.

John Walsh"America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh supports constitutional rights for crime victims.
March - June 1997
Oklahoma City Bombing Victims/Survivors' Impact Testimony:
Prof. Laurence Tribe: Victims' have right to testify

Murrah Bldg While upholding the constitutionality of the federal Victims Rights Act, Federal Judge Richard Matsch ruled that he would restrict victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing from providing any victim impact testimony he believes is influenced by testimony heard during the guilt phase of the Timothy McVeigh trial. [Read more about it plus transcripts]

 Because of the uncertainty of the Judge's rulings, victims were forced to choose between two of their statutory rights: to attend the trial or face the possibility of being denied the opportunity to express their feelings about the impact of the Oklahoma bombing. Congress had enacted two separate laws attempting to ensure that the victims would be able to both attend the trial and make victim impact statements. Nevertheless, Judge Matsch said he will prevent what he described as testimony that might "inflame or incite the passions of the jury." 

April 16, 1997
The Senate Judiciary Committee holds a 4-hour public hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 6. Testifying in support of the amendment were U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, "America's Most Wanted" host John Walsh, Oklahoma City bombing victim survivor Marsha Kight, Rep. Deborah Pryce, Wisconsin Attorney General James Doyle, Kansas Attorney General Carla Stovall, Pima County (AZ) prosecutor Barbara LaWall and University of Utah Law Professor Paul Cassell. 
April 15, 1997
Rep. Henry Hyde, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, introduces House Joint Resolution 71, a Crime Victims Rights Constitutional Amendment, and H.R. 1322, legislation implementing the amendment in the federal criminal justice system. 
ncja February, 1997
At its Winter Board meeting, the National Criminal Justice Association approved a resolution supporting the victims' rights amendment.
Feb. 4, 1997
nga miller Led by long-time victim advocate and Chair of the National Governors' Association Nevada Governor Bob Miller, the National Governor's Association voted 49-1 to support federal constitutional rights for crime victims. 
January 1997
aca The governing bodies of the American Correctional Association (ACA) unanimously voted to support a victims' rights constitutional amendment. ACA is the world's largest correctional organization. 
January 21, 1997
Senate Joint Resolution 6 (SJR 6), a new version of the victims' bill of rights constitutional amendment (now simply known as either the victims' rights constitutional amendment or the victims' rights amendment) was introduced on the first day of legislative business in the Senate. 
1996
October 1996
Congress adjourned without taking acton on any version of a victims' constitutional amendment. Read NOVA Newsletter summary. 
September 30, 1996
A new version of the Victims' Bill of Rights Constitutional Amendment, SJR 65, was introduced by Senators Jon Kyl and Dianne Feinstein. This new version represents the culmination of months of discussion by members of the Justice Department, Congressional leaders, the White House, criminal justice agencies and crime victim advocates. Although the language differs from the original proposal, the core values of the amendment have been retained. 
July 29, 1996
The National Board of Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS) became the first national law enforcement oriented organization to formally endorse the amendment. 
July 11, 1996
House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Henry Hyde, conducts a full committee hearing on constitutional rights for crime victims. 
June 25, 1996
President Bill Clinton announces his support of the proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution for crime victims' rights. He endorsed key concepts behind SJR 52/HJR 174 at a press conference and pledged to work closely with Congressional leaders on a bi-partisan basis to secure an amendment's passage. 
June 1996
National Coaliation Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) endorse SJR52/HR174. 
May 1996
Senator Robert Dole, Republican candidate for President, states support for constitutional rights for crime victims; co-sponsors SJR 52 (June 5, 1996). 
April 23, 1996
Full Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on the proposed victims' right constitutional amendment. 
April 22, 1996
History in the victims' rights movement was made with the introduction of the Victims' Bill of Rights Constitutional Amendment, SJR 52/HJR 174, at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol. The amendment was introduced by Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Also, Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Larry Craig (R-ID) signed on as original co-sponsors.

National organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Victim Center, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Parents of Murdered Children, the Victims' Assistance Legal Organization, and the National Victims Constitutional Amendment Network endorsed SJR 52/HJR 174. 

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