NewsCovering Kentucky

Actions

Group Files Appeal After Judge’s Decision On Marsy’s Law

Posted at 2:14 PM, Oct 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-16 14:14:24-04

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – After a judge ruled that “Marsy’s Law” was not accurately worded, the group in favor of the legislation has filed an appeal.

Kentucky is one of six states scheduled to vote next month on “Marsy’s Law,” a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee victims similar rights to those accused of crimes in the judicial system. The effort is backed by a California billionaire whose sister, Marsalee Nicholas, was slain in 1983.

Kentucky’s version of Marsy’s law would guarantee crime victims have 10 constitutional rights, including the right to be timely notified of all court proceedings, the right to be present for those hearings and the right to be heard in any hearing involving a release, plea or sentencing. It would also give victims the right to ask a judge to enforce those rights.

Marsy’s Law for Kentucky, an advocacy group in favor of the amendment, filled an appeal to have the judge’s ruling overturned. They are hoping that Kentuckians will vote yes on the amendment.