Judge Rules Victim has Right to be in Courtroom Because of Marsy’s Law

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2017

Contact: [email protected]

 

Judge Rules Victim has Right to be in Courtroom Because of Marsy’s Law

Pierre-  A Circuit Court Judge in South Dakota recently confirmed a significant Marsy’s Law right for crime victims by entering an order upholding the right of a victim to be present throughout court proceedings, including trials, even when the victim is a witness, just as the defendant has the same right.  This is a significant expansion of rights for victims resulting from the passage of Marsy’s Law (Initiated Constitutional Amendment S).

On December 30th, 2016, First Circuit Court Judge Cheryle Gering cited Marsy’s Law in an Order Regarding Sequestration and ruled the defense cannot sequester a victim. Judge Gering stated the victim has a right to be present in the courtroom throughout a jury trial.

“Being kicked out of the courtroom is one of the most devastating things that victims have had to endure,” said Jason Glodt, State Director for Marsy’s Law for South Dakota. “As a result of the passage of Marsy’s Law, victims now have a constitutional right to be present in the courtroom.” 

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