Besides the big statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and various other offices, there are a few other things on the ballot in November. One of those is Marsy’s Law for Georgia – an amendment that would give victims constitutional rights to be notified of judicial proceedings regarding their attackers.
This would apply to bail or parole hearings, and would allow victims the right to be heard in court if they so choose and give the victims standing to seek a judicial remedy if those rights are not carried out. Marsy’s Law – officially Senate Resolution 146 in the state legislature – passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House this past session. The unanimous vote meant that it secured the two-thirds majority required for amendments to the state constitution but it still must be approved by voters in November.
Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-81 Atlanta) announced his support for the amendment on Tuesday. “I’m a former prosecutor, and I can tell you that we can do a better job of including victims during the criminal justice process, and Marsy’s Law will allow victims to be notified whenever anything important happens in the case,” said Rep. Holcomb. “I think it’s a common sense measure. If a defendant is appearing in court, victims will be notified. If an accused is going to be released, victims will be notified. If a suspect is arrested, victims will be notified.”
Marsy’s Law is named for Marsalee (Marsy) Nicholas, a University of California Santa Barbara student, who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. A week after she was murdered, Marsy’s brother and mother were confronted by her accused murderer in the grocery story, having no idea he had been released on bail. Marsy’s brother, Dr. Henry Nicholas, began the campaign to see Marsy’s Law passed in all 50 states – first passed by California in 2008. Marsy’s Law for All was founded by Dr. Nicholas in 2009.
Georgia is one of only 14 states that do not have constitutional rights for victims. Three of those 14 – Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Nevada – will also vote on Marsy’s Law this year. The amendment is receiving bipartisan support from all corners. State Senator John Kennedy (R-18 Macon) expressed his support back in August. “We value victims’ rights and we find them so important that we’re going to put it in our Constitution, just like the accused’s rights are,” said Kennedy.
“I’m passionate about this issue because, as a former prosecutor, I worked with victims, and what struck me during that time was that victims did not have rights through the criminal justice process,” added Rep. Holcomb. “No one ever plans on becoming a victim, but if you do, you’ll want Marsy’s Law in force.”
Local officeholders are also expressing their support to spread awareness for voters before November. Marcello Banes is chairman of the Newton County Commission and wrote a piece for the Covington news in August urging a yes vote. “With more than 500 murders, 2,500 rapes and 20,000 aggravated assaults committed in a single year, hundreds of Georgians suffer at the hands of criminals every day. We must do more to protect these victims and their families on their journey to justice and healing,” said Banes.
To learn more about Marsy’s Law: https://www.victimsrightsga.com/faqs
