FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2017  ***MEDIA ADVISORY***

North Las Vegas City Councilman Endorses Marsy’s Law for Nevada

Councilman Scott Black Joins Leaders to Support Crime Victims’ Rights

North Las Vegas City Councilman Scott Black is uniting with an expanding list of city and county leaders to endorse Marsy’s Law for Nevada. The Southern Nevada native says “Marsy’s Law for Nevada will potentially benefit all Nevadans. Any one of us could be a crime victim, and every victim deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Marsy’s Law will make sure a victim is remembered and considered through the legal process.”

Prior to his election, Mr. Black served his church as a missionary in Oakland, California for two years, then returned home to graduate from UNLV with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis on public relations and advertising. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. The graphic design company owner was elected as Ward 3 City Councilman in North Las Vegas in June of 2017.

We appreciate the support of Councilman Black, Mayor John Lee and Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown in North Las Vegas. Each day, more leaders including city and county officials, law enforcement, legal experts and advocacy organizations voice their support for Marsy’s Law for Nevada.

Just as the accused have important protected rights, the victims deserve a protected voice, information and consideration during the judicial process.

Marsy’s Law has passed two consecutive sessions of the Nevada Legislature in 2015 and 2017. Voters of Nevada will have the opportunity to vote on the question in November 2018.

Equal Rights for Nevada Crime Victims.  It’s just fair.

#VictimsRightsNV              

SJR 17 would ensure the:

• Right to receive information about the services available to crime victims
• Right to be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
• Right to be protected from the defendant
• Right to notice of all public proceedings in the case
• Right to be reasonably heard, upon request, at all public proceedings regarding the case
• Right to reasonably confer with the prosecuting agency, upon request, regarding the case
• Right to full and timely restitution

History of Marsy’s Law

The effort is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in California in 1983.  A week later he was released pending his court proceedings and went face to face with the victim’s family, who had no idea he was out of jail.  Today her brother, Dr. Henry T. Nicholas is working to secure a voice and protection for victims and their families, nationwide. Marsy’s Law measures have already passed in Illinois, California, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. 

Senate Joint Resolution 17  

SJR 17 was first approved by Nevada state lawmakers in 2015 and again in 2017 as required by Nevada law for a constitutional amendment.  The measure will now go to a vote of Nevada residents in 2018 as a ballot question.