victims' rights — News and Events — The Henry T. Nicholas, III Foundation

OC Register, "Parole denied for 1977 O.C. killer"

SAN DIEGO – A graying, 53-year-old inmate sat silently in a blue prison uniform Tuesday as he was denied in his latest bid for parole from a life sentence for a murder spree in Orange County 35 years ago in which four people were shot and killed. Brett Matthew Paul Thomas, who was 18 when the crimes were committed, listened without comment as a two-person parole board at the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility found that he would pose a significant risk to others if released back into society. Thomas will next be eligible for parole in five years.

victims' rightsAshley TemmOctober 3, 2012llynette duncan, marsy's law, michael fell

Illinois' Lobby Day, March 8th, 2012

Sen. Heather Steans (D-7th) spoke Thursday to supporters of “Marsy’s Law for Illinois” (HJRCA 29), a constitutional amendment that would make crime victims’ rights enforceable. The Illinois state constitution currently guarantees crime victims and their families rights such as protection from the accused and timely notification of court proceedings, but victims who believe their rights have been violated cannot petition a court to have them enforced.

WIBQ, "Marsy's Law Approved by Illinois House"

The Illinois House overwhelmingly voted 116-2 in favor of Marsy’s Law for Illinois, a constitutional amendment that would provide victims of crime with enforceable legal rights that will protect their safety and ensure they are aware of their attackers’ whereabouts. Currently, crime victims have legal rights under Illinois law, but they are not enforceable. For example, victims are guaranteed the right to be informed of court proceedings, but some victims never learn about hearings until after the fact.

WIBQ, "Marsy's Law Approved by Illinois House"

The Illinois House overwhelmingly voted 116-2 in favor of Marsy’s Law for Illinois, a constitutional amendment that would provide victims of crime with enforceable legal rights that will protect their safety and ensure they are aware of their attackers’ whereabouts. Currently, crime victims have legal rights under Illinois law, but they are not enforceable. For example, victims are guaranteed the right to be informed of court proceedings, but some victims never learn about hearings until after the fact.

Huffington Post, "Universal Day of Human Rights -- Implementing Its Ideals"

Supporters of Marys's Law in California and victims' rights everywhere take note: December 10th was International Human Rights Day recognizing the United Nations' adoption 63 years ago of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

ABC/KGO-TV, "Victim's rights groups get thousands from inmates"

california, crime victims, marsy's law, marsy's law for all, restitution, victims' rightsAshley TemmDecember 17, 2011Victims rights, crime victims, marsys law, marsys law for all, restitution

OC Register, "Her words brought a courtroom to tears"

"I admire A.J. Egan's strength and courage," said Andy Hong, president of Marsy's Law for All. "It is difficult to overestimate the power of victim-impact statements. For many victims, it is the first step in attempting to move on with their lives."

OC Register, "Her words brought a courtroom to tears"

"I admire A.J. Egan's strength and courage," said Andy Hong, president of Marsy's Law for All. "It is difficult to overestimate the power of victim-impact statements. For many victims, it is the first step in attempting to move on with their lives."

The Daily Record (Ohio), "Bill would require victims be informed"

Under newly introduced Ohio legislation, prosecutors would be required to inform crime victims and their families in advance of perpetrators' parole hearings. Senate Bill 160, known as Roberta's Law, in memory of a young girl who was raped and stabbed to death, would require notification regardless of whether they are requested, which is what current law requires. The notification would have to take place 60 days before the hearing. - HTN Foundation