Bill > HC35

This Concurrent Resolution proposes an amendment to the Mississippi Constitution to grant specific rights to victims within both the criminal and juvenile justice systems, ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect for their safety, dignity, and privacy. These rights include receiving timely notice of and being present at public proceedings, the ability to be heard in matters like bail, sentencing, and parole, and the right to reasonable protection from the accused. Victims will also have the right to refuse interviews or discovery requests from the accused, receive full and timely restitution, and have their cases concluded without unreasonable delay. The proposed amendment defines "victim" as a person harmed by a criminal offense or delinquent act, and "criminal offense" as conduct that gives law enforcement probable cause for certain felonies or misdemeanors involving violence, sexual offenses, domestic abuse, or offenses against children. While these victim rights are to be protected as vigorously as those of the accused, the amendment clarifies that it does not grant victims party status, alter the presumption of innocence, allow them to direct prosecution, or create a cause of action for damages against the state or its officials.