For Immediate Release

November 3, 2016

STATEMENT FROM KATHLEEN WRIGLEY ON MEASURE 3

North Dakota is one of a handful of states that do not constitutionally protect crime victims’ rights. A “YES” on Measure 3 will immediately give crime victims the right: to be notified of court appearances, to be heard at certain junctures of the justice process, and to be free from harassment. These fundamental protections have been proven effective over the last several decades in more than 30 states. Nothing in Measure 3 is new or untested, and it will not diminish the enshrined rights of the accused.

Proponents of Measure 3 have focused squarely on victims’ stories and the existing gaps in our criminal justice system. Unfortunately, there is systemic push-back on Measure 3. Opponents are choosing to focus on the name, “Marsy,” on how many words are in the language, and on the exaggerated costs of implementation, rather than protecting crime victims’ rights.

The PEOPLE get to vote on Measure 3, and that result will decide whether lawyers and the system will uphold the rights of crime victims to the same level of protection as criminal defendants.

North Dakotans: I am wholeheartedly encouraging you to vote “YES” on Measure 3 and uphold the rights of those who’ve been victimized by crime.

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