Senate OKs victim rights bill 96-1 [View All]

[Freddie Stubbs]

April 23, 2004

BY SERGIO BUSTOS Advertisement


WASHINGTON -- The Senate gave overwhelming approval Thursday to a bill that would give federal crime victims new rights and could redefine the way federal courts deal with all criminal cases.

The bill would give crime victims and their families the right to be protected from defendants and to be notified of all federal court proceedings. They also would have the right to speak at any federal court hearing involving a defendant's sentencing, plea agreement or potential release from custody. The proposal would not affect crime victims in state courts.

The Senate vote was 96 to 1. The House is expected to pass the measure and President Bush has indicated that he would sign it into law, said the measure's two key sponsors, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)

''This will help level the playing field for crime victims by finally giving them a voice in proceedings that so directly impact their lives,'' said Kyl.

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