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CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND THE CRIME VICTIM'S RIGHTS ACT

NCJ Number
140560
Author(s)
W V Regenmorter
Date Published
1993
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This booklet contains Article I, Section 24 of the Michigan Constitution, which specifies crime victims' rights, and Michigan's 1985 Crime Victim's Rights Act.
Abstract
Article I, Section 24 of the Michigan Constitution gives crime victims the rights to be treated with fairness and respect in the criminal justice process, to timely case disposition, to reasonable protection from the accused during case processing, to notification of court proceedings, to attend all court proceedings the accused has the right to attend, to confer with the prosecution, to make a statement at sentencing, to restitution, and to information on the processing and disposition of the case. The 1985 Crime Victim's Rights Act mandates the rights of victims of crime and juvenile offenses. It provides for certain procedures, establishes certain immunities and duties, limits convicted criminals from deriving profit under certain circumstances, prohibits certain conduct of employers or employers' agents toward victims, and provides for penalties and remedies. The act is divided into three articles: Article I for victims of felonies and 2-year misdemeanors, Article II for victims of juvenile offenses, and Article III for victims of "serious misdemeanors." The booklet also lists rights and services as well as victim advocates throughout Michigan which effectively implement the requirements of the law.