RALEIGH, NC. (August 27, 2019) – Legislation to implement Marsy’s Law, the constitutional amendment to strengthen victims’ rights approved by voters last year, has passed through the N.C. House  and is one step closer to becoming law. Lawmakers, advocates and criminal justice professionals have worked relentlessly to ensure victims receive the rights they so strongly deserve and to ensure that the bill gives guidance to the agencies tasked with enforcing Marsy’s Law. The decision now lies with the Senate on whether to pass the bill before the constitutional amendment goes into effect on August 31.

This week, the nation will recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) April 7-13, but North Carolina's voters made their support for crime victims clear last November by voting for the Marsy's Law victims' rights amendment. More than 60 percent of statewide voters agreed that North Carolina's victims of crime deserve stronger constitutional rights. 

Maurice was not kept informed and felt revictimized by the very system put in place to protect him.

Tammy Lynn Luna was never informed of her rights as a victim.

Teddy Lamm was told he had no control in the criminal justice process.

“Marsy’s Law is an opportunity for us to position this state to do some badly needed process improvement to the criminal justice system that ensures victims will not fall through the cracks; that they will be heard and that there will be an ongoing commitment to victims’ rights.”

During the criminal justice process, Kenneth Brown's voice was not heard.

Jeanette was nearly killed by her husband in 2017, and her family has not been kept informed and have not had their voices heard.

“Marsy’s Law is going to basically remind everybody in the system how important that process is of helping someone heal after they have experienced victimization.”