Kathleen Leinen, (2016, January 11). Marsy’s Law Advocates For Equal Rights. Retrieved from The Daily News.

An initiated constitutional measure is expected to be on the November ballot asking North Dakotans to extend the same rights to crime victims as to accused criminals.

The sponsoring committee for Marsy’s Law for North Dakota is asking for Constitutional rights to do the following: Give victims and their families the right to be heard, to be notified of proceedings and to be free from harassment.

“One of the reasons we have a Constitution is to protect people and their rights. This amendment elevates crime victims’ rights and protection to the same level as the people who have been accused of hurting them,” said Kathleen Wrigley, chair of Marsy’s Law for North Dakota’s sponsoring committee, “That was really important to me. I understand ours is a wonderful criminal justice system. I’m not knocking the system, I just want people to be better protected. Accused criminals deserve a mighty fight for their rights, but the people who are hurt also deserve rights and protections to the same level.”

One North Dakota family would have been better served if this measure was already in place.

“As the family member of a murder victim, I can attest to the difference Marsy’s Law will make for North Dakotans,” said Pam Perleberg in a news release. Her brother was killed this year in New Rockford, North Dakota. “We have had a difficult time getting information regarding the proceedings in his case and at times have had no response at all to our inquiries. Marsy’s Law will help other families who are faced with tragedy like ours so their situation is not compounded by a system that gives a murderer stronger rights than it gives us.”

Please continue reading here.