Marsy's Law director is hopeful law will be upheld in court
Court Watch
The state director for Marsy's Law for Kentucky said Thursday that advocates were pleased voters supported placing crime victims' rights in the state constitution.
But Ashlea Christiansen, director of the state's "Marsy's Law" initiative, said supporters are now waiting to see whether the state Supreme Court will allow the constitutional amendment to go into effect.
Voters on Tuesday approved placing "Marsy's Law" in the constitution by a large margin. According to the Secretary of State's Office, 868,932 people voted in favor of "Marsy's Law," while 514,440 were opposed.
"I'm very pleased the majority of Kentuckians believe and understand these ... rights are necessary, but I'm not celebrating yet," Christiansen said. "I won't celebrate until a decision is made by the Supreme Court."
Legislators approved "Marsy's Law" during this year's General Assembly. The bill calls for a constitutional amendment to enshrine certain crime victim's rights in the state constitution, such as the right of a victim to be informed of hearings in their case, to be notified if the defendant in their case is released on bond or escapes, and the right to heard at hearings. Voters have to approve proposed constitutional amendments.
Crime victims have some rights in court that are already part of state law, but "Marsy's Law" would make a crime victim's rights enforceable.
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