Reject Marcy’s Law Amendment — Marcy’s Law, a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, is on the ballot Nov. 5.
The amendment claims to give crime victims “rights” and is being supported by actor Kelsey Grammer and various politicians.
It’s wording is:
Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to grant certain rights to crime victims, including to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity; considering their safety in bail proceedings; timely notice and opportunity to take part in public proceedings; reasonable protection from the accused; right to refuse discovery requests made by the accused; restitution and return of property; proceedings free from delay; and to be informed of these rights, so they can enforce them?
Sounds nice. Vote against it.
The respected PrinceLaw.com has an excellent explanation as to why.
The most obvious reason is the question as to why we need a difficult-to-change constitutional amendment when the issue could be addressed with far more flexibility via a statute.
The most significant reason is that the proposed amendment puts the accused in the category of criminal and cements the accuser as the victim. Not all accused are guilty. Not all accusers tell the truth. That’s why we have trials.
The most subtle reason is ballot questions are limited to 73 words but the actual amendment is 500 words and creates 15 new “rights”.
Buying something unseen is always unwise.
The clincher is the amendment is being backed by Bloomberg money. Is this going to be a gun grab?
Say no to Marcy’s Law.
Reject Marcy’s Law Amendment
The ballot question has now been enjoined by the Commonwealth Court – https://blog.princelaw.com/2019/10/30/marsys-law-ballot-question-is-enjoined
Thank you for this Bill. The American Family Association has compiled several problems with this amendment. Voters can access these problems at: https://afaofpa.org/wp-content/uploads/Constitutional-Amendment-Ballot-Question-Info.pdf.
NUMEROUS conservative groups have suggested voting NO on this ballot question. I know I’m doing so!
Andrew Shecktor, notable author, economist and Constitutionalist writes:
Why you need to vote NO to the PA Victim Rights law on Nov. 5. Despite a temporary injunction, the votes may at a future date be counted!
The PA Victim Rights Law (AKA Marsy’s Law) on the 2019 ballot deserves a “NO” vote for a number of reasons. First, it really adds no rights that victims don’t already have. Second, it usurps the constitutional rights of the accused. Remember, VERY many people are falsely accused, particularly when the alleged crime involves a domestic dispute or is a crime of passion. Also remember YOU may become the victim to a false accusation. This bill takes away the right of the accused to deposition of the alleged victim. This is a guaranteed right in the U.S. Constitution! Please READ the law, and Vote ‘NO’ Nov 5.