By Alex Lane - And now, our continuing report on the Propositions you’ll be deciding on in the November ballot. Today we’ll discuss Proposition 9, which would amend the constitution to require that crime victims be notified and have input on phases of the criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Prop 9 sees strong support from victim’s rights groups, including Justice for Homicide Victims, Justice for Murdered Children and The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children. Supporters say Prop 9 “levels the playing field.” “California’s Constitution guarantees rights for rapists, murderers, child molesters, and dangerous criminals…Prop 9 guarantees crime victims the right to justice and due process.” Proponents say Prop 9 would mandate that crime victims be notified if their offender is released, would allow parole judges to increase the number of years between parole hearings, and prevents politicians from releasing dangerous inmates to alleviate prison overcrowding, among other stipulations. But opponents say Prop 9 will “cost taxpayers billions” and “preys on our emotions in order to rewrite the State Constitution and change the way California manages its prisons and jails, threatening to worsen our overcrowding crisis at both the state and local levels.” Opponents believe that “taking money out of a cash-strapped budget to pay for an unnecessary initiative could mean cuts to every other priority of Government.” On November 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to help decide.
Thursday, 23 October 2008 00:04
Details of Proposition 9
By Alex Lane - And now, our continuing report on the Propositions you’ll be deciding on in the November ballot. Today we’ll discuss Proposition 9, which would amend the constitution to require that crime victims be notified and have input on phases of the criminal justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole. Prop 9 sees strong support from victim’s rights groups, including Justice for Homicide Victims, Justice for Murdered Children and The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children. Supporters say Prop 9 “levels the playing field.” “California’s Constitution guarantees rights for rapists, murderers, child molesters, and dangerous criminals…Prop 9 guarantees crime victims the right to justice and due process.” Proponents say Prop 9 would mandate that crime victims be notified if their offender is released, would allow parole judges to increase the number of years between parole hearings, and prevents politicians from releasing dangerous inmates to alleviate prison overcrowding, among other stipulations. But opponents say Prop 9 will “cost taxpayers billions” and “preys on our emotions in order to rewrite the State Constitution and change the way California manages its prisons and jails, threatening to worsen our overcrowding crisis at both the state and local levels.” Opponents believe that “taking money out of a cash-strapped budget to pay for an unnecessary initiative could mean cuts to every other priority of Government.” On November 4th, you’ll have the opportunity to help decide.
