ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, November 18, 1996 TAG: 9611180094
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: Associated Press
The Victims' Rights Amendment should make the justice system more responsive to crime victims, but the power to act on it rests largely with the legal system, a member of the Virginia Parole Board said.
``Perceptions need to change in the hearts of judges and attorneys,'' Linda Pitman told members of Virginians United Against Crime at their annual meeting at the Capitol.
Pitman, the first victim of violent crime to be appointed to the Virginia Parole Board, said the amendment gives crime victims official standing in a system that has often treated them as evidence or nuisances rather than as people who have suffered losses.
The amendment, which becomes law Jan. 1, is designed to force officers of the courts to consider crime victims' needs and feelings. Among other things, the amendment says victims have the right to be kept informed about court dates and the progress of cases; to receive restitution; to be notified if suspects escape or are released from custody; to speak at the sentencings of defendants; and to ``be treated with respect, dignity and fairness at all stages of the proceedings.''
But Pitman said the amendment is so vague about terms such as dignity and restitution that its impact is sure to vary among localities and courtrooms. She said crime victims need to be aware of their new constitutional rights - which will be printed on cards available from police investigating the crimes - and to insist on receiving them.
Virginians United Against Crime lobbied hard for the amendment, which voters approved Election Day by roughly 83 percent.
The Arlington-based group also lobbied for an amendment to allow prosecutors to appeal acquittals in criminal cases when the reasons for acquittal are unrelated to the defendant's guilt or innocence. That amendment passed with roughly 70 percent of the vote.
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