Attorney General's News Release

April 17, 1998

Nixon seeks action on crime victims' rights bill

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon is calling on the Missouri legislature to increase rights for crime victims in the judicial process as part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25. Nixon, who has worked with state legislators to pass increased rights for crime victims, said action must be taken to restore balance to the judicial system.

Nixon's proposal before the legislature would assure victims the right to be in the courtroom throughout a trial. Currently, victims who are also witnesses may be prevented from being present in the courtroom during portions of a trial, while the accused is allowed to be in the courtroom throughout the entire trial.

"For too long, the rights of the accused have outweighed the rights of crime victims," he said. "Action must be taken to pass this important bill which will make certain that crime victims receive the full consideration from our judicial system that they deserve."

Nixon's proposals are included in House Bill 1239, which has passed the House of Representatives and is being considered by the Senate.

Nixon has successfully pushed for increased funding opportunities for domestic violence shelters and for rural communities to obtain crime victims' grants from the state. In addition, he has worked closely with victims' groups to close loopholes in the laws governing criminal insanity and has worked to curtail repetitive appeals by death-row inmates designed to delay justice at the expense of victims.

"I have fought for tough laws and preventative measures to send a message to criminals that a life of crime will not pay," Nixon said. "During National Crime Victims' Rights Week, we must recognize that more work needs to be done to assure crime victims participation in all stages of the criminal justice process."

His office also has available a booklet titled "Crime Victims' Rights." The booklet explains the general rights of crime victims in Missouri, and is available to the public by writing Attorney General Jay Nixon, P.O. Box 899, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or by calling 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818