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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 22, 1996
Constitutional Amendment - Grants victims of violent crimes or crimes for which the defendant can be imprisoned for a period longer than one year the following rights: (1) to receive notice of, and to be present at, every stage of the public proceedings, unless the court determines there is good cause for the victim not be present; (2) to comment at any such proceeding involving the possible release of the defendant, the acceptance of any plea agreement, or sentencing; (3) to be informed of the defendant's release or escape; (4) to reasonable protection from physical harm or intimidation relating to the proceeding; (5) to have the proceedings resolved in a prompt and timely manner; and (6) to have the court order restitution from the defendant upon conviction. Makes such rights available to victims upon request to the prosecuting authority and in the manner provided by law under this amendment. Grants power to the legislatures of the States and the Congress to enforce this amendment by appropriate legislation.
People & committees
Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] · R–IL
Legislative record
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Committee Hearings Held.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.J.Res.173 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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